Month: May 2018

Each year, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is special and unique. Here are 8 signs that you ran the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon:

 

1. The sea of people in your starting corral gave you chills and you realized why it’s called The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

 

2. You truly appreciate spectators, their funny signs and effort to ease the pain.

 

3. The Gold Mile brought you to tears and Dixie the Praying Deer Dog made you smile.

 

 

4. You were greeted at the finish line by Meb Keflezighi (America’s greatest distance runner)!

 

5. Your Finisher Medal is hanging for all to see.

 

6. You’ve already registered for the 2019 Mini-Marathon because nothing compares to that post-race feeling.

 

 

7. You instantly feel a connection with anyone wearing this year’s Mini-Marathon shirt.

 

 

8. You kissed the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Take advantage of the Race Weekend rate and register for the 2019 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, today!

The sun is finally shining in Indianapolis and it looks to be a beautiful day at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! With cloudless skies and warm temperatures in the forecast, fear of dehydration comes into play. As Indy Mini participants become acclimated to the warmer weather, maintaining a balanced hydration level is even more pertinent for a safe and successful race. Follow these tips to maximize your potential on race day!

 

1. Regulate your water intake – don’t over or under hydrate! Know how much water you should be drinking daily and use that as a guide.

• Weight multiplied by 0.67 = Ounces of Daily Water Intake
• Add 12 ounces for every 30 minutes of exercise

 

2. Start focusing on hydrating NOW, not just the day before the race!

 

3. Avoid sun and stay rested during days prior.

 

4. Take advantage of the 12 Pit Stations (water stations) located along the Indy Mini course – even if you aren’t thirsty!

 

5. Wear loose fitting and sweat-wicking clothing.

 

Keep an eye on the forecast and get excited for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Be nice to your body and HYDRATE – your body will thank you!

The 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is shaping up to be the best one yet, with new features and running legends throughout the week’s events. The yearly traditions and race-day magic that surround the massive sporting event are what participants and spectators come to expect, but additions to the 2018 Mini-Marathon will offer new and unique elements of excitement!

 

Celebrities

As one of the largest half marathons in the nation, the Mini-Marathon garners athletes and notable figures who want a piece of the legendary event. Among a slew of elite participants who are set to toe the start line on May 5, some famed Olympians are on the docket for Indy Mini festivities! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself running alongside superstars like Tony Dungy, too!

 

• Meb Keflezighi – Greatest American distance runner in the history of the sport, Olympic medalist in the marathon distance, New York City Marathon winner and Boston Marathon winner.
• Alexi Pappas – Olympian and Greek national record-holder in the 10,000 meters.
• Andrew Peterson – Second Special Olympics athlete to qualify for the Boston Marathon and a local resident of the greater Indianapolis area.
• Frank Shorter – Only American athlete to win two medals in the Olympic Marathon. Shorter was running’s biggest star in the 1970s and 80s and the winner of the first-ever Mini-Marathon in 1977.
• Bill Rodgers – Olympian and four-time winner of the Boston Marathon, and the winner of the 1978 Mini-Marathon.

 

Medal Engraving

The 500 Festival is offering a way for you to remember the amazing accomplishment of finishing the Mini-Marathon! Participants will be able to have their finishing time etched into the finisher medal upon the completion of the race!

 

Pacesetters

Crew members of the USS Indiana, SSN 789 will serve as the official Pacesetters for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Petty Officer Perez completed 13.1 miles in 1:52:00 flat.  For each participant who finishes faster than the USS Indiana sailors, the 500 Festival will contribute $1 to charity.

 

Gold Mile

Along the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Gold Mile will feature a mile-long segment of the Indy Mini course that is dedicated to cultivating the patriotic and motivational spirit of Gold Star Families. Dressed in gold shirts, individuals will line the toughest peak of the course with American flags, pictures, banners, messages and sentimental items of their fallen heroes.

 

Check out the Expo schedule for celebrity meet & greets and autograph sessions!