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Why do you run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon? 

My initial interest in the Mini-Marathon stemmed from when I was around 8 years old. My mother trained and ran the Mini-Marathon and I remember thinking how cool that was. At that time, the medals came in the mail, and I can remember waiting for her to medal and then wearing it around and keeping it in a special box with other trophies and memorabilia (I think I even wore it to school). Running the Mini has always been on my bucket list for this reason. When I found out about the Mini with A Meaning Program this past winter, I felt like it was a great opportunity to put together a team of people to push themselves physically but to do it for a reason bigger than themselves and support The Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation.   

When was your first time running in the Mini-Marathon? 

Yes, this will be my first time running the Mini Marathon! My mom and husband will be running with me (and we are hopeful to push our daughter Andi for at least part of it!).  

What is your favorite part of the entire Mini-Marathon experience? 

My favorite part so far has been all the excitement around the race and the whole experience. There is so much hype and support on social media that it gives me a glimpse of how the race will be which I think will be like one big celebration party! 

Who has inspired and supported you in your journey to prepare for the Indy Mini? 

My mom inspired me initially, but what has carried me through is my husband and our daughter, Andi. Training for a race is hard. It takes a lot of time. Since my husband and I are both training, it also takes a lot of logistics since we don’t run together (we’re both very competitive!!). At the end of the day, my husband and I are running this race for Andi to raise awareness for her syndrome. I know this is cliche, but she really has changed our lives and how we think and operate in this world. To be able-bodied and run (or even walk) 13.1 miles is really a gift that we should always appreciate and try our hardest not to take for granted. 

The MWS Foundation helps raise money to support families with kids diagnosed with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome and coordinate research projects with universities. It’s actually the only foundation that supports Mowat-Wilson Syndrome.

When Andi was first diagnosed, we found the foundation and they sent us a “Welcome Kit” that included a teddy bear for Andi and some paperwork about MWS to give to doctors and caregivers. It was a small gesture, but made us feel like we had a place to belong- which is important for families affected by rare syndromes and conditions!

To learn more about the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation or to get involved with their organization, please head to IndyMini.com/MWM 

You can join Elizabeth for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or take on the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K by registering today at IndyMini.com/Register!  

Why do I Participate in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon? 

I used to run the Mini back in the early 90s, with my first Mini having Disney involved. This was the old course that started downtown on the circle and finished at the iconic yard of bricks.  When my kids started growing up, I sort of stopped running as much, so running the Mini sort of went to the wayside. In 2006, my then 10-year-old daughter, wanted to run the Mini with me. We trained a little and had some fun, but weren’t ready to run 13.1 miles. We ran the first 2 miles, then walked the rest of the way, just enjoying the event. I gave her a piggyback ride down Main street in Speedway and Dave Calabro announced her name as she crossed the yard of bricks. Someone gave her a Hot Wheel car that had been rolled across those bricks. At the finish line, my daughter did a cartwheel, which was photographed off my bib number. All in all, a very enjoyable event. 

Then in December 2013, I suffered a stroke, which cost me the use of my entire left side. In January 2014, I started rehab at The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana and they showed me the way. I thought my life was over, until Occupational Therapist Kristin Brewer-Hull and Physical Therapist Amanda Peiffer-Keys, put me through my paces. They proved to me that I could regain the use of my left side, but it was all up to me. In less than 20 days, they had me walking, with some assistive devices, but I was walking. I was discharged from inpatient therapy on January 18, 2014.  

While still doing outpatient therapy for several months, I was approached to be part of a group of thriving patients at the local college. The University of Indianapolis has a group called Community Patient Resource Group, CPRG. This is a group of thriving individuals with different disabilities that volunteer to work with the therapy students, as they learn to become therapists.  Working with these students has given me a lot of help and hope to gain more function. 

During my recovery, I was introduced to and have become heavily involved in rehabilitation research at RHI. They have a Locomotor Recovery Lab that is run by Dr. T George Hornby. I was involved in a Hight Intensity Gait research study that was everything I needed to kick my butt into high gear. I felt so much faster at the end of this month-long study, I felt like Flash. A therapist involved in this study had a Flash costume, and he let me wear it for the final day of the study. I was allowed to keep the Flash costume, as long as I wear it to inspire others, thus I started wearing superhero costumes at each event in which I participated. Since the start of my rehab, I have participated in several 5k and stair climb events. This research study gave me the direction I needed to return to participating in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. I decided to wear Captain America for my return to the Mini. Memorial Day is an American military holiday, perfect for this costume. I have at least 12 superhero costumes that I wear at any given event. These costumes are worn to give back to all the therapists, students, family, friends, and stroke survivors around the world. Yes, you can thrive in life after a stroke. 

I owe my recovery to all the therapists, students, rehab facilities, colleges, and family, that have stood behind me and shoulder to shoulder with me. 

The best part of the Mini, is the Mini. The party along the route, the comradery with participants, the thrill of being on the famed 500 track, and last but not least, all those that put in the hard work to make this event happen. 

John D. Lummis 

Why I Mini is an interesting story, and I ask you to stay with me. So, grab your popcorn and buckle up…. here we go… 

2018 was the last time I ran the Indy Mini, and it was my 2nd time running it and I LOVE the race and everything it stands for. I live right outside Louisville, KY, and don’t mind driving 2 hours for the race…that’s how much I love the race. 

Well, 2018’s race was a little different, I was in a lot of pain when I ran it, and like most runners, I just thought it was typical overuse injuries. It would turn out that my C3 through C5 vertebrae were compacted and pushed against my neck. Later that year, (Christmas Eve, to be precise) I would have spinal fusion surgery…so 2018’s Indy Mini still is the last of my 11 half marathons I have done. 

After having the spinal surgery, I had to take all of 2019 off from fitness to recover. Then, as I was slowly making my way back in 2020, my life would be altered in ways that I am still in the wake of dealing with. 

On January 28th, 2021, I tested positive for Covid. I became one of the few who would become a Covid Long Hauler. It is coming up on 2 years and I permanently have Asthma, Covid Brain Fog, and Covid Migraines (which are much worse than my previous normal migraines ever were). Every three months I have follow ups with my Neurologist, Cardiologist, and Pulmonologist. I don’t remember from January to May of 2021 because I had a 103.1 fever. During this time, I got up to over 280lbs and had taken home oxygen (on top of plenty of hospital visits) for 6 months because I couldn’t get my oxygen levels above 80.  

I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on September 29th, 2021, and had a goal weight of 170lbs, and now weigh 160lbs with 3% body fat, and am proud of the hard work I have put in in coming back from all the aforementioned I have gone through since 2018. 

While I am signed up and doing The Greatest Spectacle Challenge (The Miler Series, the 5K, and the Indy Mini), when I line up on May 6th, 2023, it will be a 5-year return journey, both as an Indy Mini Ambassador and an Indy Mini participant. It is my comeback half marathon. You may see me shed some tears of pure joy along those beautiful 13.1 miles and I will definitely be stopping to kiss those gorgeous bricks! Ever since I started racing 12 years ago, I always race in a Superman shirt with my children’s handprints in puffy pants with their ages on the back (I like to think they are pushing me when I get tired). I will be easy to spot, so please feel free to say, “Hi” and let’s get a picture together! 

This is Why I Mini. 

Much Love, Corey. 

Are you taking on the iconic OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon this May?  

Training for a half marathon takes drive, determination, and focus. It’s important to prepare and practice your strategy prior to conquering your race. 

The 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, is the perfect training series to help you prepare and feel confident stepping up to the start line on May 6. The 3-race series – a 3 Miler (Feb 11), 6-Miler (Mar 4), and 10-Miler (April 1) – helps you gauge your training progression, practice your race day strategy (hydration, pacing, fueling), meet running friends, have fun, and earn some swag. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare for each race and conquer the Miler Series with success:  

Preparation:  

• Register early! You can register now through Feb 5 and pay just $65 to take part in all three events, known as the Podium Series. You can also sign up for each Miler Series race independently for the lowest price online, or you may register on site for an additional cost (Please note, you must be registered for the full “Podium Series” to receive the shirt and medal). 
• Give yourself plenty of time to train. Be sure to find a training plan that properly guides you to take on each distance. Be careful not to ramp up your training too quickly, this can cause injury.  

Race-Day:  

• Plan your pace. After crossing the start line, it is essential that you maintain a pace that you can hold throughout the duration of the race. Know what pace is best for you and be mindful not to start the race too quicky.  
• Dress properly. The Miler Series takes place during the tail end of the winter months, so temperatures can be cold. Make sure to dress according to the weather, feel comfortable, and bundle up if it’s cold! 
• Meet a running buddy! Find other participants around you who will help you stay on pace and maybe even make a new friend.  
• Practice hydration. It is essential to stay fueled and hydrated throughout a long-distance race. Practice stopping at water stations, what we like to call Pit Stations, to ensure a smoother and safer race experience.  
• Get excited! We hope the Miler Series will not only serve as preparation, but also spark your excitement to cross the finish line at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 6! 

If you’re considering the Miler Series, be sure to check out the Challenges during registration! Participants may elevate their experience by bundling the Miler Series with other 500 Festival races to conquer additional mileage and earn more gear! 

Jeanne Martin has a very special relationship with a young girl named Brinley. Part of the I Run 4 organization, Jeanne dedicates each of her runs to Brinley, a vibrant, lively girl who has been diagnosed with spina bifida.  

When Jeanne was 43 years old, her and her sister conquered the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. 

After the Mini-Marathon, she joined a Facebook group called “I Run4 Michael”, a community organization of runners who dedicate their runs/workouts to someone who can’t, bringing a level of purpose and commitment to a whole new life. The group also creates meaningful, long-lasting friendships with buddies and provides hope, support, and inspiration. Jeanne was inspired and in awe of the buddies in the group and hearing the stories of runners running for those who can’t. She was determined to be paired with a buddy of her own.  

One day in 2019, something incredible happened. Brinley’s dad posted an unforgettable video of her walking with a homemade walker made of PVC pipe from the school bus to the front of her school.  

“I am just filled with emotion every time I see that little, tiny girl, trying so hard, and fighting for each and every step and the pure excitement pouring out of her once she finally made it to the door. WOW,” Jeanne said. “In March 2019, that little girl’s victory became the drive behind every single mile I walked or ran, or jogged (or crawled), they were in her honor.” 

That year during the Mini-Marathon, Jeanne left her running group and decided to conquer the 13.1 miles on her own. It was not an easy feat though, as she battled the rain, puddles, and soaking wet feet. She recalls even crying during mile 10, as she didn’t think she could finish the race because it seemed so hard. But then she wondered if her pain came close to the pain Brinley endured in her walk.  

“That memory and a little extra CrossFit training sealed the deal,” Jeanne said. “I was going to finish it strong and running the entire time.” 

With the permission of Brinley’s parents, Jeanne wrote her a thank you letter and sent her a bag of goodies from the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo, as well as her shirt and medal from the race.  

“I just wanted her to know how amazingly special she is and how her story and her life are so impactful for others.”  

“From then on, if I ran a 5K, 10K, or anything involving a medal, I send her the goodies and the winnings.  But the Mini-Marathon, that’s the special one because that’s the longest distance I’ve ever done or have any desire to ever do. I am hoping someday I’ll be able to take her on that journey with me, by pushing her in a stroller and having her there to cross that finish line together!” 

Nearly 50 groups performed for participants of the 2022 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K on May 7. But one fan-favorite electrified the crowd, Zeus the robot with Indiana Robot Show!

Based out of Indianapolis, Zeus the Robot is an 8ft LED Robot and bilingual DJ ready to create an electrifying environment for your event. Our participants loved seeing Zeus dancing and cheering them on along the route!

Learn more about the Zeus and the Indiana Robot Show HERE.

Booking information: Djjesusramirez317@gmail.com

The green flag has been waved and participants from all over the world are racing toward their goals for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc., benefitting the 500 Festival and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, presented by Winners Drink Milk, benefitting the 500 Festival!  

We are so excited to partner with American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. for this year’s Challenges. American Dairy’s own Brooke Williams, director of communications, is participating in this year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge! See why Brooke is participating and how American Dairy Association Indiana can support your 500 or 250 Mile Challenge goals. 

“During the pandemic, through the 500 Festival, I participated in the Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners, and enjoyed striving toward a goal during a somewhat mundane time. Any time I’m needing a workout boost, I enjoy the mindset of working toward a goal, and this seems right up that alley for a summer reset. 

This time of year, my favorite way to log miles is mixing it up between Peloton classes and long morning walks. 

Health and wellness are a top priority for American Dairy Association Indiana. Indiana’s dairy farm families and my colleagues share the same passion, providing products that lead to the healthiest lifestyle while encouraging physical activity. They know I have access to the dairy products I need, and the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge fills the other side of that bucket! 

Everyone has heard the importance of three servings of dairy a day, but not everyone may know the research behind the “Refueling with Chocolate Milk.” There’s nothing better than chocolate milk (on ice!) after a workout. 

The American Dairy Association Indiana is proud to partner with the 500 Festival on this challenge series. The summer months can often be filled with travel and relaxation, but there’s no better time to get into a healthy routine, than with a challenge encouraging us to get active through the fall, too!” 

Learn more about the sports nutrition benefits of dairy and ways it can help fuel your miles here!