You might say that Ken Long and Carlton Ray are taking on a task of monumental proportions.

The two local running enthusiasts are the driving force behind the new, upcoming Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, which will be the first public entry marathon ever in Downtown Indianapolis. It will run on Nov. 1.

The course -- which can be seen at www.monumentalmarathon.com -- will begin Downtown near White River State Park and head briefly southeast before going northward past 64th Street, and finally turning back toward Downtown on College Avenue.

As the name suggests, participants in the race will pass by various local monuments. The course is mostly flat, making it a great opportunity for those hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Flat though the course may be, organizers know that convincing the public of the race's credibility may be an uphill battle in the wake of last year's Indy Classic Marathon debacle. Entrants to that race will remember how it was canceled due to safety concerns after organizers boldly promised to bring in 40,000 runners.

Ken Long, who wasn't connected to the Indy Classic, says the experience of both its organizers and board members will ensure that the Monumental Marathon meets no such fate.

"We have a board whose members are longtime runners and walkers," he said. "This is what we do. The people we have putting this together are all local. They've been around for several years, and they understand exactly what needs to be done."

Would-be Boston Marathon runners looking for a qualifying time aren't the only ones who will benefit from the race. Part of the marathon's proceeds will go to Marion County schools.

"We're still working on deciding on how it will be distributed," Long said. "But the money will definitely go to local schools."

The city of Indianapolis at large, particularly Downtown businesses, will also see dividends from the marathon, Long said.

"There will be people from out of town who will spend two or three days in a hotel," he said. "Even local people will choose to get a hotel the night before so they don't have to worry about getting up early and finding a place to park."

And unlike the Indy Classic Marathon, the race isn't gunning for big numbers right out of the gate.

"We want this to grow slowly," Long said. "We want to get feedback from runners and walkers, get the kinks out and make it a better event every year. There is no doubt that if you put out a good product, people will buy the product. That is what we are going to do."