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Get ready, Indy. Another running icon is coming to compete in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 5. Don’t know Alexi Pappas? You should.

 

A woman of many titles; Olympian, filmmaker, writer, essayist, actress and Greek national record holder are a few of those titles. An array of talents, yet they all encompass the physical grit and mental stamina embodied by a runner who commits herself to the vulnerability that brave running demands.

 

She artfully masters the daily grind as a professional athlete. The capacity of a running career is often misunderstood, in that training exists beyond scheduled workouts. Planned eating and sleeping are important to Pappas in the balancing act and pursuit of a goal. From Dartmouth to Eugene, Oregon, her thoughtful training has resulted in her success as an NCAA All-American, 10,000-meter national record holder, and Olympian.

 

Refreshed by her one year stint in Eugene, Pappas embraced the culture of the running town that built legends. It was the place that inspired the creation of “Tracktown”, a movie she co-wrote with her now fiancé, Jeremy Teicher. She also produced and starred in the movie, all while boasting an Olympic run. Nothing is out of the question for someone so driven and diverse. Her undergraduate years at Dartmouth were spent as a creative writing major, dabbling in improv groups among her athletic commitments.

 

Her passionate band of followers, also known as “Bravies,” feed off of her clever, witty and fearless motivation. Bravey, a self-coined term that capitalizes on a positive approach toward goals, is used as a noun to signify those who are brave in their actions, through running and beyond. Bravies take on their role in full-stride and many have displayed their devotion with a personal bravey tattoo. Pappas defined some stipulations to the tattoo via Twitter:

1. You must be brave.

2. Bravey must be written in your handwriting.

3. Tattoos are permanent and so is bravery.

 

Pappas’ impact transcends her running success and her outreach is rooted in intention.

 

Check out Alexi’s platforms of positivity across all social media and find out how to run WITH her in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

Alexi’s Channels: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

 

Feeling inspired to run like a Bravey? Indianapolis is paved for your graces on May 5! Register Here

Hey there, Indy! We shared some pretty exciting news earlier this week; the opening race of the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, will have a change in venue on February 10. The 3-Miler will now start and finish at The Pavilion at Pan Am Plaza; a location known for hosting ESPN broadcasts at the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Fours and Big Ten Football Championship Games, as well as 100th Running events, Colts tailgates and concerts to name a few.

 

The Pan Am Plaza is one city block located on Illinois Street, Georgia Street, Louisiana and Capitol Avenue, and within easy walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium, Monument Circle and most major downtown hotels. It’s only two blocks west of Bankers Life Fieldhouse! The 6-Miler and 10-Miler will remain at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, but the 3-Miler change will affect a few things on race morning, and we’re here to help answer all of those questions.

 

So let’s address a few of them!

 

Where is race day registration & packet pickup?

Spectators and participants will be able to visit vendors, pick up their packets and register onsite indoors at The Pavilion prior to the race. The Pavilion is heated and will provide a comfortable pre-race and post-race experience for everyone at the 3-Miler!

 

Is everything else the same?

While the start and finish location changes, the 3-Miler’s date and time will remain the same (Saturday, Feb. 10 at 9:00 am).

 

What does the new course look like?

The 3-Miler course weaves through downtown Indianapolis along iconic sights like Monument Circle, the Indiana War Memorial, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and more!

Click here to see the updated course map

 

Where should I park?

There are several paid parking garages nearby at the Pan Am Plaza and Indiana Convention Center that should leave you steps from the start and finish line. More parking options will be announced closer to the event.

Click here to view parking options

 

When is the last day I can pre-register? 

Pre-registration for the Miler Series closes February 4. You can still register onsite at the event for just $20 (3-Miler) or $65 (all three races)!

 

What if I signed up and can’t make it or I’m training from out of town? 

You can always sign up for the Virtual Miler Series and join the Indy Mini training from a distance! The Virtual Miler Series allows you to collect the shirt and medal following the 10-Miler by simply running or walking on your own and submitting your race photos and times to get credit for the race.

Learn more about the Virtual Miler Series

 

Any other questions about 3-Miler morning? Comment below or ask us on social media and we’ll be sure to follow up. Use #IndyMilers to join the conversation!

 

We can’t wait to see all of our Milers, Maniacs and half marathoners in training on February 10!

Already committed? Click here to let us know if you’re attending!

Not yet registered for the 500 Festival Miler Series?

Learn More  |  Register

With the status of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon over the past few decades, growing in prominence as one of the nation’s largest, bucket list half marathons, the itch to experience the excitement has grown across Indiana and much of the Midwest.

 

Many Hoosiers desire to experience one of the 500 Festival’s largest events and month of May welcome party, but not everyone is up for 13.1 miles. Enter the 500 Festival 5K.

 

From aspiring youth runners to Mini-Marathon veterans, participants can experience the same Indy Mini fun with only a fraction of the distance. There have been parents with children strapped to their chests, friends wheeling loved ones across the finish, and celebrities like Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck who have conquered the 5K.

 

So what does that “same fun, less distance” phrase really mean?

 

It’s the same start line, the same finish line, and the same post race party celebration after cruising down Victory Mile. The same Mini-Marathon Expo experience and the same race morning electricity as 30,000 line up along Washington Street. Participants won’t be able to trek around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the 5K is a great way to join the excitement of a grandiose event like the Mini-Marathon.

 

In 2017, the 500 Festival 5K saw nearly 5,000 finishers and it continues to grow as all sorts of Hoosiers, runner or not, join in The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

 

Whether 13.1 or 3.1, we hope to see you on May 5!

 

Interested in registering for the 500 Festival 5K? The price increases Monday, January 15 at 11:59 pm ET. Register here to lock in the lowest rate!

“What’s your 2018 New Year’s resolution?” 

 

That big question is back. It’s on your mind, and you have to be ready if/when you’re asked about it. Better yet, you need to have a plan. And whatever that “new” thing is, it starts NOW!

 

New Year’s resolutions can take on many forms. Not everyone needs a resolution like 13.1 miles. But for those who do, the 500 Festival has a number of advantages for any kind of runner or walker looking to get started.

 

This is not the New York City or Chicago Marathon. Anyone – and we mean anyone – can do this. So, here are five things you didn’t know about the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon that make it PERFECT for New Year’s resolutions.

 

 

1) It’s Fun

Did you know the Indy Mini has one of the highest walker-to-participant ratios of any major American road race? With a 4-hour time limit (18-minute per mile pace), the Indy Mini is one of the most forgiving courses for a beginning half marathoner. Yes, it’s still a race. That competitive spirit lives in all of us, but the Mini-Marathon is a 13.1-mile fun run. If you like fun, keep reading.

 

 

2) It’s Easy

Did you know the 500 Festival implemented it’s own series of training races specifically for the Indy Mini? It’s called the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, and it helps participants reach their resolutions by working up to 13.1 miles with three incremental races; a 3-Miler, 6-Miler, and 10-Miler. If the sound of these distances makes it seem easier to start, keep reading.

 

 

3) It’s Flat

Did you know the Indy Mini is one of the flattest courses in the nation? A limited deviation in course elevation allows runners and walkers to breeze along at their own speed – which is usually quite fast. After all, fast is what this city is known for. So if you’re in the game to get better and break that record, keep reading.

 

 

4) It’s Alive

Did you know the Indy Mini boasts the largest number of course entertainment groups for any road race in the country? Nearly 100 acts from DJs to bands and tap dancers to cheer squads line the streets of Indianapolis to motivate and encourage the participants. 13 pit stations line the course as well, filled with volunteers dishing out water and continuing the encouragement. If you think thousands of people cheering you on might help get you to your goal, keep reading.

 

 

5) It’s Epic

Did you know the Indy Mini takes you around the largest sports venue in the world? That’s what we said. The largest venue on PLANET EARTH! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the heart of the Indianapolis 500 and the month of May in Indy, and it’s the feature of the Mini-Marathon for Mile 6 and Mile 7. Nothing compares to coming down the home stretch and kissing the bricks. If you like epic moments, keep reading, and get ready for something unforgettable.

 

 

 

You can make your resolution to lose weight, eat better, and exercise. These ideas are great. But in 2018, make it tangible, make it real, and make it 13.1 miles.

 

Want to make it even easier? Do it with a friend!

 

Interested in registering for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon? Prices increase New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) at 11:59 p.m. ET! 

 

Don’t wait! REGISTER HERE

 

 

 

 

The official 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant shirt and hat are here! If you’ve been waiting to see the swag for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, then wait no more.

 

We joined our friends at WTHR to reveal the design for the 2018 Indy Mini participant shirt and hat from OneAmerica. We also offered a sneak peek at an updated prototype for the Finisher Medal. Here’s what 2018 Participants will receive at this year’s race:

 

Participant Shirt

The shirt design for the 42nd running of the Indy Mini features a number of Indianapolis and Indy 500 themes. Most notably, the top of the Borg-Warner Trophy is featured on the front of the shirt just like the raised silver medallion on this year’s medal. The back of the shirt features a large crest that includes an iconic photo of the Pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the distance of 13.1 miles, the Indianapolis flag, and the famed yard of bricks.

 

Just like the medal, this year’s shirt design is a unique first. It’s the first participant shirt to come in 500 Festival red and feature an off-center logo. The long-sleeve participant shirt compliments the red accents on the 2018 medal, and the blue hat completes the ensemble with red, white and blue represented in all of this year’s gear.

 

This year’s participant shirt is made of a blended poly fabric to maximize ventilation and comfort while wicking away sweat. Shirts will be gender specific for optimal fit.

 

Participant Hat

The 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant hat, provided by OneAmerica, pulls from the same color pallet as the shirt and medal. We think it looks awesome!

 

Ready to let the world know you’re taking on the Greatest Spectacle in Running? We’ve created an #IndyMini #FlatRunner that you can post on social media! Get your #IndyMini #FlatRunner here.

 

Want to view more photos of the participant shirt? Click Here

 

The 2018 Indy Mini participant swag is just the beginning! To check out the complete list of what 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participants will receive, click here.

As the holiday season approaches and New Year’s resolutions begin to feel like realities, the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, is here to help.

 

Knowing the rigorous transformation process from winter hibernator to springtime success story, the 500 Festival created the Miler Series. The Milers are a spring series of races stair-stepping runners and walkers toward 13.1 miles in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

The Miler Series consists of three unique distance, including a 3-Miler, 6-Miler and 10-Miler. The races take place in February, March and April in downtown Indianapolis with three different courses and more city-centric routes than the Indy Mini.

 

If you’re looking for a great way to achieve those New Year’s resolutions and make some friends along the way, then master the Milers and defeat downtown Indy this spring.

 

But hurry! The price increases this Friday (Dec. 15) at midnight!

 

Learn more about the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy

 

 

“On the first month of training my true love gave to me… Epic Training Gear!”

 

Maybe your true love didn’t get you epic training gear for the holidays this season, but they should. And that’s just step one of what do with five months until the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Check out the latest #IndyMini gear at the online store.

 

Step two? About 150 days remain until the 2018 edition of The Greatest Spectacle in Running, and it’s nearing decision time. New Year’s resolutions are on the horizon, and in order to stick to those commitments, you may need help at your side. So recruit a friend!

 

Step three is picking your training plan. May we suggest the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy?  Unique distances of 3, 6, and 10 miles let you stair-step your way to a 13.1-mile victory in May.

 

Preparing your trip is step four! Unless your one of the locals, driving  an hour or more and finding appropriate parking might stifle your race morning ritual. Be sure to make your race weekend spectacular by staying in downtown Indy. Check out the official Indy Mini room block and book today!

 

Step five? Get your training started!

 

Learn more about the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

 

It’s that time of year again! The 500 Festival is offering a Black Friday special available Friday morning (12:01 am) – Cyber Monday (11:59 pm).

 

*This offer ends at 11:59 PM TONIGHT! 

 

This ornament is a scaled down replica of the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Finisher Medal. A two-sided ornament, the front features a 13.1 emblem, the date of the 2018 race and a message from Meb Keflezighi, the greatest runner in American history and 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant. The back of the medal features a nutrition label, highlighting unique Indy Mini participant facts, including the number of inches, feet, and steps in the Mini-Marathon. These facts pay tribute to the “ingredients” for victory, including the training, strength, endurance, and greatness that goes into every participant’s Indy Mini story.  

 

• The ornament measures 2.75″ tall and 1.25″ wide
• It’s two-sided
• The ornament will ship in a commemorative gift box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage for years to come
• Supplies of this ornament are limited to the first 1,000 people to register for the 2018 Indy Mini or challenges, so register soon!

 

This offer is only available for Mini-Marathon and Challenge registrations. It is not valid for registrations for the 500 Festival 5K or 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy.

 

Additional Questions? Email raceinfo@500festival.com.

 

Hurry! This Black Friday offer is only available to the first 1,000 to register!

 

 

< Register to get your 2018 Holiday ornament medal! >

The 500 Festival crew will have a booth at Wednesday’s Drumstick Dash Expo located at Broad Ripple High School, and we want to see you!

 

Not only do we enjoy talking with participants of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon – and seeing them use their legs to give back to the Wheeler Mission and a great cause – but we have some exciting reasons to stop by our booth!

1) Register for a discounted rate

When you register onsite at the Drumstick Dash Expo, you will get $5 off both the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 500 Festival 5K AND we’ll waive the online processing fees. That’s a savings of about $8!

 

2) check out the new 2018 medal

The 500 Festival released the new 2018 medal design on Tuesday. Wednesday at the Drumstick Dash Expo is your first chance to see it in person!

 

3) enter to win a free registration!

As always, when you see the 500 Festival set up at a race expo, you can enter to win a FREE registration for the upcoming year! Already registered? Enter anyway and we’ll refund your registration if you win.

 

See you there! And thanks for “moving your feet so others can eat!”

In 1936, Louis Meyer won the Indianapolis 500. He sped back to Victory Circle to celebrate and cooled off the only way he knew how… with a bottle of fresh buttermilk.

 

The milk bottle has since become a staple of victory at the Indianapolis 500 the same way wearing the wreath and kissing the bricks (and the 500 Festival Queen) cement a driver’s place in history. Drinking the milk from Victory Circle is one of the most iconic moments in all of sports.

 

More than 80 years later, the tradition has grown and developed a phrase almost as popular as the tradition itself – “Winners Drink Milk.”

 

Regardless of speed and ability, defeating 13.1 miles in May is a victory. And there’s no better way to celebrate victory in May.

 

Along with this symbolic medal, the 2018 hardware also carries a signature from one of the greatest American distance runners of all time – Meb Keflezighi. Keflezighi will return to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon for the third and (possibly) final time in 2018 after retiring from the marathon distance at the TCS New York City Marathon in early November. Click here to read about Meb’s passion for the Mini-Marathon and his return to Indy.

 

The front of the medal highlights the Borg-Warner Trophy and the date of this year’s race on a raised silver medallion.

 

On the back of the medal, a nutrition label accents the unique Indy Mini participant facts, including the number of inches, feet, and steps in the Mini-Marathon. These facts pay tribute to the ingredients for victory, including the training, strength, endurance, and greatness that goes into every participant’s Indy Mini story.

 

This year’s medal is the first double-sided medal in the 42-year history of the Mini-Marathon. It’s also the second largest medal the race has ever produced, finishing runner-up to only the Borg-Warner Trophy medal in 2016.

 

To say we’re excited about this year’s design is a major understatement. We hope our participants are inspired by the significance of one of the most unique medal designs the Indy Mini has ever seen.

<<< Click here to view the full-size 2018 medal >>>