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He’s coming home! Indianapolis icon and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has registered to run the 500 Festival 5K on May 5 in downtown Indianapolis. He decided to run to support his wife, Lauren Harris Dungy, who is participating in all 13.1 miles of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

Dungy broke the news via Twitter after registering early on Wednesday morning (Apr. 18).

 

 

Coach Dungy led the Colts for seven seasons (2002-2008), amassing 10 wins or more in each season and winning the franchise’s only Super Bowl in 2006.

 

Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck ran the 5K in 2016. Former punter Pat McAfee helped the 500 Festival kick off the month of May at Kickoff to May in 2016, too. Tony, however, has registered as a regular participant. Be sure to look for him on the course.

 

Want to join (and hopefully see) the Dungy duo at the Indy Mini or 5K on May 5? Online registration is still available through April 30!

It’s not just any half marathon; it’s the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon. As one of the nation’s largest half marathons, packed with unique experiences and sacred tradition, questions come with the territory.

 

Each year, the Indy Mini is refined to create the best experience for participants as they take on The Greatest Spectacle in Running. For novices and annual participants alike, we’ve compiled some commonly asked questions and answers so that your only worry on race day will be the 13.1 miles between the start and finish line!

 

Join the discussion on the 2018 Indy Mini 1^st Timers Facebook page and interact with other Indy Mini Participants with questions, advice and encouragement!

 

Q: Where can I get my results for the Mini-Marathon?

A: Participants can find their results by scanning the QR code on their bib, through the IndyMini app or by clicking here. Results from past Mini-Marathons may also be obtained here, dating back to 1994.

 

Q: Where is my starting location for the Mini-Marathon?

A: All participants will have a corral letter on their bib number. This letter corresponds to a specific starting location based on your estimated finishing time. You must start in this corral or, if you are starting with another person that is in a different corral, you must start in the slower of the two locations. The order of the corrals are as follows (from fastest to slowest) A, B, C, D, E, F, etc. See the start line map for a diagram of the start area and to locate your corral.

 

Q: How do I get to Indianapolis? Where do I park?

A: Download Indianapolis maps and downtown parking maps here.

See Mini-Marathon street closings here.

 

Q: Where do I get my race bib?

A: You can pick up your race number at the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo located in the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. Mini-Marathon Expo hours:

Thursday, May 3 from 4 – 8 p.m., Friday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP!

 

Q: Can I run in the 5K instead of the Mini-Marathon?

A: Yes, if you are registered for the Mini-Marathon and would like to participate in the 5K, simply line up with the 5K participants wearing your Mini-Marathon bib. Your results will reflect that you participated in the 5K and you will receive a 5K medal. The 5K will begin at 7:00 am.

 

Q: I’m faster now than when I signed up, can I update my estimated finish time?

A: See the solutions desk at the Mini-Marathon Expo

 

Q: Is there an app available for download?

A: Yes, search Indy Mini in the App Store to download the free Indy Mini app! Get access to important event details, runner tracking, live results, news, social media and more.

 

Q: Heading into the last few weeks before the race, should I start decreasing the intensity of my training

A: Some participants find it beneficial to “taper” their training as they approach race day. Check out the Tapering Guidelines for the Indy Mini blog post to learn more.

 

Q: Where are the water stations?

A: The water stations are named Pit Areas as part of the Festival’s ties to automotive racing. Click here for a course map. Pit Areas with water are marked with a “W” on the course map and will have blue banners on the course on event day. Pit Areas with Gatorade Endurance Formula are marked with a “G” on the course map and will have green banners on the course on event day. Click here for a list.

 

Q: What if I can’t finish the race?

A: The Back of the Pack crew will be on hand to help, and there will be a bus following the last participants of the race. Any Mini-Marathon participants who cannot finish, or cannot keep up with the 18 minute/mile minimum pace can ride the bus to the Post Race Party.

 

Q: When does the race officially end?

A: Approximately 12:45 p.m. local time.

 

Q: Where should I meet my family after the race?

A: Meet your friends and family in the Family Reunion Area located at the Post Race Party in Military Park. This area will be divided by letter of the alphabet and will feature live entertainment. A map of the Post Race Party can be found here. Please make meeting plans prior to the start of the Mini-Marathon.

 

Q: Where can I check my gear during the race?

A: UPS Gear check is provided for Mini-Marathon participants, and is located on West Street, north of the start line and south of the Post Race Party. Please use the bag you received at the Expo and tear off tag located on your bib. UPS Trucks are arranged by bib number. Please identify your bib number and corresponding truck to check your gear.

 

Hopefully your questions have all been answered. All that stands between you and a successful Indy Mini is 13.1 miles with thousands of friends in the nation’s premier half marathon. Happy racing!

It’s been a long time coming, but the high-mileage training days are in the rearview and sights are set on race day for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! You’ve been pounding the pavement and it’s finally time to reel in the miles and harness your months of preparation.

 

The intricacies of the mental and physical balance of running, while training for the Indy Mini, are even more prominent during the stages of tapering. Methods of tapering differ, but these guidelines will put you in the right head space to create an individualized program for a peak performance on race day.

 

• Remain vigilant, but recognize that your hardest workouts are behind you.
• Gradually decrease mileage, starting one to three weeks before race day.
• Get a feel for race pace and adapt your muscles to a pace that is sustainable for 13.1 miles.
• Avoid potential injury and soreness, think recovery and rejuvenation.
• Make healthy choices; sleep, nutrition, and hydration play vital roles in preparedness.
• Trust your training, relax and be fueled by your progress.

 

Tapering might sound overwhelming or confusing and truth be told, no one has it down to a science. Your body is prepared to finish 13.1 miles and tapering will maximize hours of training.

 

Less than three weeks stand between you and the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Indy Mini course is flat and fast, but training is all downhill from here. Happy tapering!

 

Not registered for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 5?

Register today before prices increase on April 30!

A “Sun Smart” reminder from Indy Mini Ambassador, April Woodruff

 

As runners and walkers, we tend to take care of our bodies. We buy the proper clothing, high-quality socks, and the best shoes out there. We fuel our body with proper nutrition as we prepare to tackle some serious Mini-Marathon training miles. Once we don all of our gear and lace up those new kicks, we head out the door and forget to do one extremely important thing – apply sunscreen.

 

It is estimated that there will be over 170,000 cases of melanoma in 2018. I was diagnosed with melanoma in 2016. Thankfully mine only penetrated into the second layer of the skin and the cancerous cells were successfully removed with one surgery.

 

I have to admit, I had never put on sunscreen before a run. Even though I had never really been sunburnt on a run, I definitely had that “runners tan.” I had to get into the habit of putting on my sunscreen each time.

 

As athletes who tend to spend long amounts of time outdoors, we need to get into the routine of putting on sunscreen before we head out the door. Our Mini-Marathon training peaks during the beautiful springtime weather as we are itching to get back outside and into the sun.

 

We’re making sure our bodies are in top-notch shape for the Indy Mini, so let’s make sure to keep them safe and healthy, too!

Winter is starting to feel like a long movie that just… won’t… end. So that got us thinking: How can we keep motivating our Indy Mini participants when it’s difficult to get outside and get moving? Movies!

 

We’re not expert movie critics, but we are fans of anything that motivates, inspires, or encourages our thousands of friends to conquer 13.1 miles. Obviously, we advise you to keep finding ways to move your training forward, but finding the inspiration to keep moving is just as important!

 

When those remaining winter days return to squash your training spirits, here are five movies that will keep motivating you all the way to May. (click the links to watch trailers)

 

5. Tracktown (2017)

This indie sports film comes from 2018 Indy Mini participant, Alexi Pappas. The gifted producer, actress, poet, runner, and artist features herself in this coming-of-age sports film. What better motivation than watching a movie where the star (and producer) is an Olympic runner you can meet this May!

 

4. MacFarland, USA (2015)

A failed football coach turns seven students into a cross-country team. You think running is an individual sport? These guys prove it’s all about teamwork.

 

3. Turbo (2013)

Turbo is the animated story of a snail with dreams of being fast and racing in the Indy 500. While it’s not really a running movie, the story of pounding the pavement at IMS is a dream come true, and one to relate to. If you’re a fan of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indy Mini, or the month of May in Indianapolis, you’ll love seeing Indy’s iconic venue featured in this Dreamworks production. (A great movie to watch with kids)

 

2. Race (2016) 

One of the most important running movies in American history, Race is the story of gold medalist Jessie Owens. We all know Owens’ importance to civil rights and equality in sports, specifically in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but this film will inspire you to run fast, simply because you can.

 

1. Without Limits (1998)

Even though it’s the oldest on the list, Without Limits features a runner-coach relationship focused on distance running. The 1998 biographical film features Steve Prefontaine and his relationship with coach Bill Bowerman, who later co-founded Nike.  What else do we love about this movie? Our good friend Frank Shorter – the first-ever Indy Mini winner and American running icon – makes an appearance in the film.

 

Do you have your own motivational running movies you think your fellow runners and walkers should watch? Let us know! Comment below or on the social media post to recommend some of your favorites.

 

Spring into Training

Winter is on its way out. With sunny spring days on the horizon, it’s time to leave the treadmill and tired running routes with the last snowflakes of March. Seasons change and so do running hot spots – Hoosiers need not travel far to indulge in the spring fever!

 

Treat yourself by making your run more than a routine task. Find an Indiana running destination near you!

 

Click Here to Open The Interactive Map

 

North:

• Indiana Dunes State Park – Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline is nestled among historic sand dunes and a network of running and hiking trails. Aside from the scenic 3-mile stretch of beach, Indiana Dunes Beaches & Beyond highlighted the Top 10 Fitness and Fun Challenges within Indiana Dunes State Park and throughout northern Indiana.

 

• Cowles Bog Trail System – Visit a National Natural Landmark while exploring the diverse 4.7-mile Cowles Bog Trail System. This loop trail features abundant plant and wildlife while the view of Lake Michigan rounds out the scenic journey.

 

South:

• Clifty Falls State Park – A 4.5-mile, rugged trail runs parallel to Clifty Creek and along the rim of Clifty Canyon. Its steep switchbacks present a challenge, but if you choose to visit in spring, the run will highlight the park’s waterfalls at their peak!

 

• Hoosier National Forest – With a view of Indian and Celina Lakes, The Two Lakes Loop Trail takes the scenic route through the Hoosier National Forest. The main trail extends for 15.7 miles and includes spur trails that provide options for shorter hikes.

 

East:

• Whitewater Memorial State Park – The Lakeshore Trail is a 2.7-mile hilly loop that hugs the Whitewater Lake shoreline. The Memorial and Veterans Vista Loop trails are additional options available within the park for tacking on extra miles.

 

• Brookeville Lake State Park – With more than 25 miles of trails within the park, the options are endless. Indy Mini participants might be most interested in the Wolf Creek Trail, a 16.5-mile primitive trail with beautiful lake views.

 

West:

• Turkey Run State Park – A network of over 10 trails weave in and out of diverse terrain and scenic views. A 200-foot-long suspension bridge over Sugar Creek links the developed area of the park to the remote trails.

 

• McCormick’s Creek State Park – Ten miles of trail, ranging in difficulty, wind through McCormick’s Creek limestone canyon.

 

Central:

• Yellowwood State Forest – The Tecumseh Trail spans 42 miles through Yellowwood State Forest and incorporates existing trails for a variety of mileage options.

 

• Morgan Monroe State Forest – The Low Gap and Three Lakes Trails are high mileage trails that follow the ridges and valleys of the forest’s lakes and backcountry.

 

Less than two months of Mini-Marathon training remain before that magical day in May. Whether your next running destination is right outside your door or calls for a weekend excursion, Indiana is your playground for Mini miles!

 

Grab a running buddy and go enjoy your training as you prepare for May 5 in Indianapolis!

 

Interested in running or walking the 13.1 miles of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon?

 

Register here!

 

It’s 7:30 am. The gun sounds. You launch out of your wave, trekking 13.1 miles across Indy’s west side. A few hours later, you accomplish your goal, and not one person cheered you on by name.

 

It’s not that they didn’t want to, but they couldn’t… because your bib told them your name was “participant number 34100.”

 

You’re a person. Not a number. Don’t be nameless on May 5.

 

This is your race, your story, and your experience. Your individual journey and path to the Mini are uniquely your own. Make sure to stamp your 13.1 miles with YOUR name.

 

The cheering from volunteers, musical groups, spirit squads and 500 Festival Princesses showcase Hoosier hospitality and the fun that makes the Indy Mini so special. If you want the full experience, give yourself (and all of those cheering you on) the opportunity to feel connected with the spirit of The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

 

We don’t want you to be nameless on May 5, but the deadline is approaching fast! Register by April 4 to make sure your bib is personalized at the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. That way, those 7,000 volunteers, 80 musical groups, 33 Princesses, 11 spirit squads, and countless spectators can cheer you on every step of the way.

 

Register by April 4 to have a name!

 

On the final day of February, we celebrated the rising anticipation of coming one month closer to race day by not using our words – only a photo montage of 13 sights, landmarks and course highlights featuring the public arena that plays host to our favorite visitors; the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon course in downtown Indianapolis.

 

Watch the Wordless Wednesday story as it plays out under “Highlights” on the 500 Festival Instagram page.

 

Click here to watch ↖️

 

 

The Indy Mini is rapidly approaching, and for first-timers, it can be daunting! An elite runner, Special Olympics athlete, and 500 Festival running ambassador, Andrew Peterson deconstructed his first experience in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to offer three tips that will support rookies and their journey to the finish line.

 

1. Make the commitment. Accept the challenge and adapt to long runs. Starting from scratch or making the jump to 13.1 miles is a big step, but commitment to the race is the best place to start.

Andrew’s Words: Even though I was uncertain about the change in distance, my commitment to new training styles fueled me to the finish line.

 

2. Set realistic goals. It’s difficult to set a goal or PR for a distance that you’ve never run, but with commitment and consistent training, you will recognize your potential.

Andrew’s Words: 10 days before my first Indy Mini, I met my goal pace for a 10-mile run. Pace-setting was an important factor in my ability to run the unfamiliarly long distance.

 

3. Prepare physically and mentally. Have confidence in your training and know that success is possible. Although physical training is important, don’t forget the importance of a positive mindset.

Andrew’s Words: Despite challenges throughout the race, my mental preparedness helped me remain focused for nearly two hours, all while maintaining my pace, working through pain, and finishing – even when I wanted to quit. Since my legs would only take me so far, my head had to be in the race.

 

The completion of Peterson’s first Indy Mini-Marathon was a defining moment in his, still growing, running career. Despite challenges he faced, Peterson’s physical and mental preparedness conquered the uncertainty that accompanied his first time at the Indy Mini. It was the key that unlocked his future in long distance running.

 

The Indy Mini helped Andrew uncover the extent of his running ability and these tips will help you do the same. Register for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to experience what you didn’t know you needed.