The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has named WISH-TV Channel 8’s Julie Patterson as its executive director.

“Her experience in the media combined with her joy of running and dedication to a worthwhile cause make her an excellent fit for us,” said IMM President Carlton Ray.

Patterson, an avid runner, in April ran the Boston Marathon. She also ran the Monumental Half Marathon in its inaugural year, 2008. She also teaches a weekly women’s running class at Fitness Concepts.

Her experience behind the scenes includes her long-term involvement with many races benefiting local charities, such as The Will Power Run/Walk, The Stop HD Walk and The Race against Domestic Violence.

“Promoting health and wellness benefits our entire community, particularly our youth,” said Patterson, who has spent much of her broadcasting career in radio. She now appears weekdays on WISH-TV’s morning newscast, delivering morning traffic reports.

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers is returning as the title sponsor of this year’s IMM, which will be run Nov. 7. The courses are sanctioned and certified by the standards of USA Track and Field, the national body of road racing, with the marathon course serving as a qualifier for the 2010 and 2011 Boston Marathon.