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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.

 

 

A survey following the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon revealed 98 percent of Indy Mini participants would recommend the race to a friend or family member. That’s pretty high praise from our loyal participant base, but why?

 

Here’s a list of our participants’ 13 favorite features (one per mile) that make the Indy Mini such a unique race experience.

 

• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Kissing the Bricks)
• Celebrity Runners (Check out this year’s lineup)
• History (42 years running!)
• Bands & Entertainment (Nearly 100 Course Entertainment acts)
• Volunteers (Hoosier hospitality is at it’s finest)
• Making a Difference (Your race registrations fund the 500 Festival’s free events and programs that promote youth fitness and education)
• Pit Stations (11 water stations and 5 Gatorade stations)
• Wave Starts (A smooth race start keeps things rolling early on!)
• Post Race Party (An epic celebration in Military Park with participants, friends and family members)
• Location (with the start and finish line located in downtown Indy, participants are steps from hotels, restaurants, and a great race weekend experience)
• Challenges (Combine 500 Festival running events to get more shirts, medals and bragging rights!
• Employee Wellness Challenge (Embrace the competition with your coworkers)
• It’s perfect for everyone! (An 18-minute per mile limit means just about anyone can take on 13.1 miles at their own pace)

 

These are just a few of the reasons 98 percent of Indy Mini participants said they’d recommend the race. Experience it for yourself and be part of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing on May 5! 🏁

Indy Mini Ambassador Alexandria Bergman explains how to get your running essentials and start a new routine without spending much green. 

 

One of the biggest reasons I was able to get into running was because of how budget-friendly it is. That is if you do it right!

 

As you go, you learn what you’d like to have, what you need to have, and what you can invest in later. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve found for finding the right gear and accessories to get your running kick-started with minimal investment.

 

1. Jogger Strollers

There’s a good chance some of our beginner runners are trying to squeeze in a workout while taking care of the kiddos. Jogger strollers can help make that possible, but don’t buy them new! I found one for $20 at a yard sale that lasted for years. I sold it later and made that money back.

 

2. Cell Phone Arm Bands

I’ve found them on clearance at Kroger for $1 and I have several. They’re a great way to connect to your music. I like to keep an extra one in my car along with a change of running clothes and shoes in case a running opportunity comes up anywhere.

 

3. Running Clothes

Check clearance sections at big box stores or places like T.J. Maxx. You can find stylish, functional workout clothes for cheap at Walmart and Goodwill.

 

4. Food & Drink

I like Swedish Fish for a sugar boost during a run. They act like gels but without the distinction of being a running food. There are also all sorts of affordable protein bars and energy bars with natural ingredients.

I also bought a cheap water bottle and a camelback backpack that I found on sale at a sporting goods store.

 

5. Free Places to Run

Take advantage of parks and sidewalks. Tracks at high schools or middle schools are great for speed workouts. Most are fenced in and allow you to run while watching your kids play in the grass. Finding a free place like this can help you avoid paying for a babysitter or skipping your run because you can’t take them with you.

 

6. Apps 

There are many free running and exercising applications for your phone that track your routine, distance, and time. A few of the more popular ones include Pacer, Strava, and Under Armour’s Map My Run app.

 

7. Early Bird Pricing

What better way to save money than to get the lowest prices on your races? For most races, the earlier you sign up, the more you save.

 

And by the way, the price for the 2018 Indy Mini increases in just ONE WEEK! Register before Feb. 28 at 11:59 pm ET to save yourself $10!

 

 

You’re not a runner. You’re a musician, a performer, an artist. Chances are this post was forwarded to you from a Mini-Marathoner friend who knows the importance of course entertainment acts (cue Mini-Marathoners sharing this link with their talented friends).

 

If you know someone who has participated in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, ask them about the course entertainers! In what’s been called the largest four-hour music festival, anywhere, Indy Mini course entertainers are one of the most important and memorable pieces of the race. And we accept just about anyone! (As long as you’re family friendly.) Here are the top 5 reasons to perform at this year’s race:

 

1. Have Fun

“Be prepared to have a blast. It is a ton of fun!” – Past Entertainer

It’s pretty difficult to not have fun when you’re jamming out or performing your talents for four hours in front of a new audience every 10-15 seconds. And that brings us to point number two…

 

2. Get Practice

Whatever your talent is (we’ve seen everything from rap to the iconic Circle City Cloggers), you can practice in front of a live audience!

 

3. The Giveaways

Course entertainers receive a t-shirt, tickets to an Indianapolis 500 practice day, and more! Participants will even vote on their favorite acts, and the winners will be featured on our Facebook pages (more than 40,000 followers).

 

4. Free Exposure

If you’re looking to boost your brand or get noticed for whatever talent you possess, where else can you get free exposure to perform in front of 40,000+ participants, volunteers and spectators?

 

5. Inspire Thousands

Playing for those 40,000+ is great for you and your group, but it’s inspiring for those participants. You play a part in helping runners and walkers accomplish their goals. In 2017, participants voted course entertainment as their No. 1 favorite unique thing about the Indy Mini. While conquering the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the staple of the race, the roster of course entertainers every 1/8 of a mile might be the most defining characteristic of this gigantic party we call the Mini-Marathon.

 

“No other race has this many music groups and performance acts. It’s like a never-ending show that keeps you motivated the entire way!” – 2017 Mini-Marathon participant

 

Interested in performing in on May 5?

Apply now  |  Learn More

 

 

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

April’s Story

I decided to start running because I had watched my husband run for years. He loved running, and I felt like I was missing out. The moment I crossed the finish line of the Mini in 2008, I understood why he loved it. It was such an amazing feeling to know that I could run 13.1 miles. I continued to run the Mini each year. I took off in 2011 after having my daughter. I was back in 2012, but now I was running for my daughter. I wanted her to see that she had a strong mother. She has watched me cross the finish line of every Mini-Marathon since 2012. She is six years old now and has competed in the JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run three times and the 500 Festival mini-mini twice. She clearly has a love for running.

 

April’s #IndyMini Experience

I was getting married in May of 2008, and my husband (fiancé at the time) convinced me to run the Mini.  I had never run a race in my life, and could not even run a mile without walking. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. In February of 2008, I was not a runner. In May of 2008, I was a half marathoner!

 

My favorite thing about the Mini is the energy. I have never felt so much energy in a race. The crowd, the volunteers, the bands, and the participants are like no other.  There is truly nothing like it. I have completed 21 half marathons and my top three times are all on the Mini course, and this is all because of the crowd of people that are cheering me on for the entire 13.1 miles.

 

The Mini started my running career and turned me into a runner. It changed who I was as a person. The Mini will always be my race, and I will run it every year as long as I am physically able.

 

April’s Advice

I would tell a first-time participant to know you can do it, and don’t doubt your training. So much of the race is mental. I would also tell a first-timer to just enjoy every moment. Give high fives to little kids, thank the officers and volunteers, cheer on fellow runners, and cross the finish line strong. There is a great sense of accomplishment in finishing.

 

Feeling inspired by April’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

April, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

 

On Tuesday morning, the 500 Festival announced the addition of Olympian Alexi Pappas to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon field. Shortly after, Bravies on Twitter let their enthusiasm loose.

 

Pappas’ social media followers and band of brave runners – dubbed “Bravies” – couldn’t believe one of their favorite runners is making her Indy Mini debut (and alongside American running icon Meb Keflezighi, no less).

 

Check out the full lineup of notable elite runners in this year’s Indy Mini

 

Here are just a few examples of “Bravies” and #IndyMini regulars losing their minds over the news:

 

Want to be a Bravey and join Alexi Pappas and Meb Keflezighi on May 5?

 

< Register for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon >

 

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