Month: April 2020

What’s your #WhyIMini motivation? For Devon Scott, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a way to remember her father and inspire herself year after year. Devon’s father passed away in August 2013 after battling a rare cancer.  They used to take regular walks together, which they considered as their special time together. The two of them would have long talks and share stories, laughter, and tears. 

After his passing, Devon continued to remain active by working out with her sister at the YMCA. One day at the gym, she and her sister came across a sign advertising the YMCA Indy Mini training group. Devon immediately felt drawn to the idea of crossing the Indy Mini finish line. Her father would always ask, “Well why can’t you do that?” With her father’s words in mind, she decided to take on the challenge. Since her father could no longer walk near the end of his battle, this was her way to walk for him when he wasn’t able to.  

The training group benefitted Devon in many ways. She learned how to breathe properly, listen to her body, how to stay motivated, and held her accountable to continue the journey toward 13.1 miles. Through the commitment of the group, she was strengthened by knowing that they were not going to give up on her or let her give up on herself.  

For Devon, the day of the Indy Mini was amazing and emotional at one time. In memory of her father, she wore his photo on the back of her shirt. Throughout the course, Devon was encouraged and supported by many other participants. From the supportive spectators, to the course entertainment, to the wonderful volunteers, and many more, Devon was in awe of how this was more than a race; it was a community spectacle. Despite getting separated from her group, Devon was able to persevere and push herself all the way to the finish line.  

After completing her first Indy Mini, Devon became hooked on that finish line feeling. She has now completed 5 Indy Minis! Running has become a source of therapy and a time of self-reflection for Devon. After training with a group to complete her first half, she applied what she learned to her solo training each year since. Training by herself is challenging because she must hold herself accountable, however, she has learned to love running by herself so she can run comfortably at her own pace without restricting anyone else.  

To other Indy Mini participants, Devon encourages you to find what motivates you and stick to it. Devon wears her father’s jacket around her waist every time she trains and races. Remember that only you can do it for yourself and you must push yourself to do it! 

Join us for The Greatest Spectacle in Racing! Register for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon today!

The 2020 Virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Virtual Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K are new experiences for all of us. But with new experiences comes new, exciting opportunities! Although we will miss seeing your thousands of smiles, victory embraces, and that finish line feeling, we are #INdy Mini Together! Our 500 Festival staff and interns are thrilled at the opportunity to join you this year for the virtual races! As our staff and interns typically work on an operational front to ensure the best possible race for our participants, the virtual races are the perfect opportunity to experience all that you do during race day and the Month of May.

“I see first-hand what our participants are feeling and know that showing that we’re all in this together is important,” said Maggie LaMar, Digital Marketing Manager. “Plus, we never get to participate in this awesome race experience because we are working that full day. Now, I can finally say I’m doing it together with friends and family. (While social distancing of course!)” 

The 500 Festival has been present in many aspects of several of our lives. However, this is a unique opportunity in which they are able to participate in a 500 Festival event as a current staff member.  

Adrianne Johnson, Youth Programming & Events Coordinator, has participated in the Indy Mini, volunteered with the Festival, and is even a Princess Program alumna.  

“I love the Indy Mini,” said Johnson. “I did the race with my parents in middle school and volunteered with starting corrals in high school. I was a Princess in 2015 so I worked the Gatorade station outside of Turn 2, then walked the race in 2016, 2017, & 2018 as a Back of the Pack volunteer. I love doing at-home workouts, but training and completing the virtual Indy Mini will give me good reason to get out and move!” 

Joshua Reichart, Sr. Manager Partner Activation, has been a part of the 500 Festival team for 12 years.  

“I have worked for the 500 Festival since 2008 and started off as an intern,” said Reichart. “I have watched multiple individuals cross that finish line and see the stories, as well as the face of accomplishment. It is one way to experience the event from an operation and set up standpoint, but always wanted experience what those participants feel during the Month of May. I feel that that this is a perfect opportunity to get back into running and support those that are participating virtual in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K.” 

For some, this unique opportunity presents running as a new hobby or way to stay physically and mentally healthy.  

“I am participating because a part of me has always wanted to get into running, but I just have not found the time to do it,” said Casey Hayes, Event & Program Intern. “In the past I have lacked the motivation to get out and start running, but I have slowly but surely found joy and excitement in getting into the fun of running. You never truly know what you are physically capable of. Push yourself, leave doubt behind and reach for new heights!” 

Connor Ray, Event & Program Intern, has also taken on the challenge as this will be his first time participating in any type of running event.  

“We got this! One day at a time, one mile at a time,” Ray said.  

Cole Bailey, Registration, Ticketing & Customer Service Coordinator, is looking forward to pushing himself to conquer a distance which he has never ran.  

“I have never run a distance this far but I am thrilled for the challenge it’s going to bring,” Bailey said. “It doesn’t matter how long it takes you from the start line to the finish line. What matters most is that you finished the race! Make sure you have fun and stay positive.”

Others are no strangers to the sport of running. Ryan Cash, Event & Program Intern, ran collegiate cross country and track at Indiana State University.  

“I enjoy running and want to be able to support the Festival,” Cash said. Have fun while training and chase your goals!”  

Helen Khamis, Marketing Coordinator, Youth Programs and Events, is also a seasoned running veteran. Having grown up running cross country and track, she has always had her eye on completing a half marathon. The virtual Indy Mini seemed like the perfect opportunity for Helen to conquer her 13.1.  

“Working at the 500 Festival and being around the running environment again has reignited my interest and motivation to the running world,” Khamis said. “It is one thing to work the Indy Mini from an operational standpoint, but I have always wanted to experience the emotions and joy of completing a half marathon. Getting outside for a walk or run – at a safe distance from others, of course – can do wonders for our minds and bodies. It gives us a chance to clear our thoughts and take a moment to reset from the world. Find what motivates you and take it one step at a time.” 

In true Hoosier spirit, Patrick Merna, Vice President Strategic Partnerships, is continuing to celebrate the Month of May in Indianapolis during his Indy Mini.  

“Just planned our route and great downtown and 500 Festival ties with going buy locations for the routes with Parade, Memorial Service, the Mini Start/Finish Line and other city landmarks!” said Merna.  

Whenever and wherever you are conquering your miles from, know that we are right there with you. From our finish lines to yours, our support stretches infinite miles. We are truly #INdy Mini Together!  

After months of miles, training, and hard work, many of you are gearing up to run your Virtual 2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! We are so proud of all of our participants and so are our 2020 Indy Mini Ambassadors. Check out some words of encouragement our Indy Mini Ambassadors have for you as you conquer your 13.1 miles! 

Kevin Anspach: Thanks to all who are still conquering the 2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K in the virtual world! The running landscape has changed, but our goals remain the same. We continue to train, we continue to improve our health, and we continue to conquer our goals! Good luck! 

Lynn Buikema: Running is a mental sport. Kick the Mini square in the face and let’s get it done! Struggling at mile 4? Take that chew, think of the belly dancers and push on. Hard to breathe coming at mile 6-ish? Think of Gold Mile, feel the history of coming into the Speedway and let the thankfulness wash over you. Feel like you should quit at mile 10? See the bakery in front of you, and feel 1 of those 35,000 pats your back and remind you, you’ve got this! Close enough at 12.5? Picture the flags, hear the sounds and see the stands lining the street as you finish the spectacle you started out to accomplish. Whether 35,000 of your closest friends are next to you running past the zoo and on the race track, or with you in spirit running their own neighborhoods, we are all in it together! We got this!!! 

Jamicka Edwards: Most times when you train for a long-distance race it’s just you and the pavement. Sometimes you have a good weather, sometimes not so good. Other times, the scenery is beautiful and makes you forget what you’re doing. If you can, find a place or a path that isn’t usually crowed, but a place you can run in peace and enjoy all that nature has to offer you and remind yourself of your MAJOR achievement to come at the finish line! You got this! Live or Virtual you will be an Indy Mini finisher! 

Jim Garringer: Ultimately, this event boils down to one thing: are you willing to challenge yourself? The good things a person does in training and during the race are only measured for a handful of people relative to their finish over the other competitors. For all the rest of us, our competition looks back at us every time we glance in the mirror. You don’t have to be in a crowd of 35,000 to get a PR. You have to train, prepare, and then execute. 

Patti Hammerle: Just keep running or walking! Training and completing a 5K or half marathon is a huge accomplishment and even more so when you do it alone without the hype of a race. Don’t give up on yourself or your goals! And just think how much fun next year will be with 35,000 of your closest running buddies doing it with you.

Lisa Herron: Own the body you wake up to everyday. Walk, crawl, run…. JUST SHOW UP! 

Cynthia Marshall: I know it’s hard to find the support and encouragement to finish any race alone. Especially 13.1 miles. So, build your own race day running buddy and cheering squad! Let everyone know when you’re running your race. Check in with them prior to the start and have them virtually cheer for you with pre-sent messages, text, midpoint call etc. along the way. 

Jason Ronna: My family has decided to make a fun day out of running the virtual Indy Mini. We have mapped out our route through our subdivision where we pass our house about every mile. We are going to set up our own aid station in our driveway. We are also going to have our own post-race cookout.

Danielle Shively: My words of encouragement during these unpredictable times would be to continue to focus on “Your Why.” Which, for most of us, is different but important to us for our own reasons. Allow yourself to run some more relaxed miles to enjoy the journey and capture the memories along the way of a much different looking #IndyMini, and be sure to connect with many of your new virtual friends who are cheering for you the entire way. Run strong and always look forward to brighter days ahead and reconnecting at the race we all love in 2021!

For more resources to help you cross your finish line for the 2020 Virtual Indy Mini, click HERE!  

Create your own virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K finish line photos! Download the PNG overlay HERE to get started and follow the steps below to add it to your photo:

On your computer:

1) Go to IndyMini.com to download the png overlay.

2) Open up the finisher photo you’d like to use.

3) Drag and drop the Virtual Finish Line.png on top of your image.

4) Scale to preferred size.

5) Save image.

On your phone:

1) Go to IndyMini.com to download the png overlay image and save it to your photo gallery

2) Open the finisher photo you’d like to use.

3) Click on the edit/add sticker button and click “sticker from gallery”

4) choose the Virtual Finisher PNG you downloaded and stretch it to fit your image.

5) Share on social media by tagging #IndyMini!

We can’t wait to see your pics!

While training for the Virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, it is important to maintain appropriate social distancing practices. This means being cautious of your surroundings, avoiding crowded areas, and staying at least 6 feet apart from others. You may be thinking to yourself, But what if I’m not a solo runner?  If you are used to running in groups or with others, here are some helpful tips to stay connected with other runners and run your best race despite physical distancing. 

Strava Group 

Join the official training club for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 5K! This is a fantastic resource to share training tips with others and to encourage one another as you train toward your finish line.  

2020 Virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook Group  

Join our virtual Indy Mini Facebook page! Here you’ll find a community of participants to share experiences, training stories, ask questions, get advice, and encourage each other.  

2020 #IndyMini First Timers Facebook Group  

First half marathon or IndyMini? You can also join our #IndyMini First Timers Group! This is another incredible community of runners who share stories, experiences, tips, and more. 

Course Entertainment  

Rock out with the 2020 Course Entertainers! Though they cannot entertain you in person, our they are still here to support you as you cross your finish line. Follow the Virtual #IndyMini Playlist on Spotify to run along with our course entertainers, as well as some of the most popular running and walking songs for the spring. 

Podcasts 

Share your run with your favorite podcasters! Podcasts can also be a great source of entertainment and motivation during your training and virtual race day. We asked our Virtual #IndyMini participants what some of their favorite podcasts are, check them out below! 

• “I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein”  
• “Another Mother Runner” 
• “Running Through It” 
• “Rambling Runner” 
• “Running for Real with Tina Muir” 

Self-pacing Tools

Use tools and resources to help pace yourself throughout your race. Smartwatches and tracking devices can be helpful tools to help keep pace while running or walking.  Fitness apps can also be great resources to stay your pace toward the finish line. But most importantly, listen to your body and what feels right for you.  

A few safety tips to keep in mind: 

 

• Stay on well-lit paths 
• Familiarize yourself with your route before your race 
• Let someone know your plan; they can also hold you accountable 
• Dress according to the weather  

Check out more safety tips to utilize during your virtual race HERE.  

You are not alone, we’re all #INThisTogether! For all #IndyMini virtual resources, click HERE.  

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are unable to have the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo this year. However, we’re bringing some of our great speakers and sessions to our virtual participants! Chef Kat Marris has great tips and recipes to make healthy meals & snacks for your training. Since she can’t give her live demo in-person at the Expo, she’s kindly providing virtual participants her Meal Prep 101 Guide! You can also checkout two of her favorite recipes below: Chocolate Chunk Energy Bites and BBQ Bean Chili.

Chocolate Chunk Energy Bites

Makes 15 bites

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup pumpkin purée

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips

1 cup finely crushed graham crackers

Instructions

In a medium size food processor, add rolled oats, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds. Pulse a few times until oats are roughly chopped. Pour oat mixture into a large bowl and add peanut butter, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate chips. Stir well to combine. Add more oats if the mixture is too runny and not able to form a ball. Shape using a cookie dough baller or tablespoon and roll in crushed graham crackers. Store in the fridge.

BBQ Bean Chili

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 red and 1 green bell pepper, diced

1 poblano pepper, seeds discarded and pepper diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 can (14.5 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) mild chili beans

1 can (14.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

6 cups vegetable broth

1 cup frozen spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, add olive oil, onion, peppers, garlic and tomato paste. Cook and stir over medium heat until peppers begin to soften and tomato paste coats the veggies. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Partially cover pot with a lid and simmer the chili on medium-low for 30 minutes. Serve with rice, noodles or baked sweet potatoes.

One of the benefits of the Virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K is that you can complete your race ANYWHERE at ANYTIME. Still, it can be an extra challenge to decide your route. Here are a few of the tools out there that can help you plan your route for the virtual Indy Mini or 5K.

GPS Enabled Running Apps
Using a running app not only helps you track your mileage and time your race, they can also help you create and view different routes! Below are some options of GPS-Enabled Running Apps and links on how to create routes in each:

1. Map My Run
2. Strava (You can join our Strava Run Club for even more support and motivation!)
3. Nike Run Club
4. Pacer

Maps

Not sure how long running around your neighborhood will take you? You can use a map tool like Google Maps (click here for a tutorial) or another map-plotting tool.

Trails

Trails and paths are a great way to complete your miles! They often avoid traffic lights and other stops, and make it easier for you to keep track of your mileage. Most trails and paths are still open as long as you practice safe social distancing!
Indiana
Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis
Find a trail or path near you

We also put together a few sample routes for half marathons throughout Indiana. Check them out HERE.

We are cheering you all on as you complete your race! Share your pics with us on social media by tagging @500Festival and #IndyMini.

To Kristen Latzke, completing her first virtual half marathon is about much more than just running. She is running with an additional purpose. 

With a passion for conserving our globe’s wildlife and ecosystems, Kristen has been volunteering with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) for four years. Founded in Namibia in 1990, the CCF is an internationally recognized organization working for the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. Kristen and the CCF are working to develop the best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species. The CCF is partnering with the 500 Festival as part of the Mini with a Meaning program for the 2020 Virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Mini with a Meaning program gives participants the opportunity to raise awareness and funds in support of a non-profit organization.  

Kristen has loved cheetahs her entire life. In fact, her maiden name, Tschida, is pronounced just like cheetah. However, her interest in animal conservation truly sparked her senior year of college. Dr. Lauri Marker, the founder and executive director of CCF, spoke at her school. This ignited a passion, leading Kristen to work with many different conservation organizations in the following years. Since traveling to Africa was not feasible for Kristen, she discovered that CCF has chapters all over the world to support the work being done in Namibia. Together, she and two other volunteers created the Indiana chapter of the CCF. Since working with this organization, Kristen has wanted to set up a race to benefit the cheetah. A running event is symbolic not only for an animal that is known for running, but also one that is racing against extinction. 

In partnership with the Mini with a Meaning program, the CCF’s goals are to inspire change and ignite passion for the cheetah. Kristen’s hope is that is that the Indy Mini and Mini with a Meaning gives the CCF the opportunity to show that no matter where we live, we can make an impact halfway across the globe. With the Indy Mini now a virtual race, this example of creating an impact from anywhere truly stands. Kristen and four other CCF teammates will be participating from Indianapolis and one will be running in Bloomington.  

This will be Kristen’s first half marathon, getting out of her usual comfort zone of running 5Ks. Though she will miss having the “race atmosphere,” there is no stopping Kristen. She has found confidence in approaching this challenge through her passion for CCF. Kristen is also motivated by the incredible CCF volunteers that are supporting her, running with her, and donating their time and talent to CCF. She is also looking forward to the support of friends and family by sharing her race route so they can distantly cheer her on toward her finish line.  

If you want to effect change and support the cheetah, you may donate to a #teamcheetah team member or join #teamcheetah for this year’s Indy Mini HERE. 

Are you also an Indy Mini first timer? Join our Indy Mini First Timers Facebook Group to ask questions, hear others’ experiences, get advice, and encourage each other! You can also join the 2020 Virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook Group or visit indymini.com for more virtual resources.  

Rules and conditions

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. (READ MORE ABOUT NO PURCHASE NECESSARY)

1.  PROMOTION DESCRIPTION: The Virtual Indy Mini Social Media Contest (\”Social Media Contest\”) ends on JUNE 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST (the \”Promotion Period\”).

    The sponsor of this Sweepstakes is the 500 Festival (“Sponsor”). By participating in the Sweepstakes, each Entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is responsible for the collection and processing of Entries and the overall administration of the Sweepstakes. Entrants should look solely to Sponsor with any questions, comments or problems related to the Social Media Contest. Sponsor may be reached by email at raceinfo@500festival.com during the Promotion Period.

2.  ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the UNITED STATES who are 13+ (the \”Entrant\”). Sponsor, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize. Immediate family members of such individuals are also not eligible to enter or win. Immediate family members include: spouses, children, step-children, parents, step-parents, legal guardians, siblings, step-siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and grand children. This Social Media Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited or restricted by law.

3. PRIZES:

The selected winner will receive one (1) complimentary entry to the 2021 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, one (1) 2021 IN Training long-sleeve technical shirt, and one (1) 500 Festival baseball cap.

Total Value of Prize: $127

 Only one prize per person and per household will be awarded. Prizes cannot be transferred, redeemed for cash or substituted by winner. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value if a prize described in these Official Rules is unavailable or cannot be awarded, in whole or in part, for any reason. The ARV of the prize represents Sponsor’s good faith determination. That determination is final and binding and cannot be appealed. If the actual value of the prize turns out to be less than the stated ARV, the difference will not be awarded in cash. Sponsor makes no representation or warranty concerning the appearance, safety or performance of any prize awarded. Restrictions, conditions, and limitations may apply. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prize items.

    This Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States and Prize will only be awarded and/or delivered to addresses within said locations. All federal, state and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. Failure to comply with the Official Rules will result in forfeiture of the prize.

4. HOW TO ENTER: Enter the Social Media Contest during the Promotion Period on social media by a photo of your virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K bib.

    Automated or robotic Entries submitted by individuals or organizations will be disqualified. Internet entry must be made by the Entrant. Any attempt by Entrant to obtain more than the stated number of Entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, logins or any other methods, including, but not limited to, commercial contest/Social Media Contest subscription notification and/or entering services, will void Entrant’s Entries and that Entrant may be disqualified. Final eligibility for the award of any prize is subject to eligibility verification as set forth below. All Entries must be posted by the end of the Promotion Period in order to participate. The 500 Festival also reserves the right to reject any entries, including those which may be considered pornographic, offensive, or overly-lude in some manner.

5. WINNER SELECTION: The Winner(s) of the Sweepstakes will be selected by most popular vote among selected eligible Entries received throughout the Promotion Period. The entries will be posted to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook page. The winner will be announced on FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020 by Sponsor or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible Entries received.

6. WINNER NOTIFICATION: Winner will be notified by email at the email address provided in their race registration approximately 48 HOURS after the completion of the contest. Potential Winner must accept a prize by email as directed by Sponsor within 1 WEEK of notification. Sponsor is not responsible for any delay or failure to receive notification for any reason, including inactive email account(s), technical difficulties associated therewith, or Winner’s failure to adequately monitor any email account.

Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. The potential prize winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability. No substitution or transfer of a prize is permitted except by Sponsor.

7. PRIVACY: Any personal information supplied by you will be subject to the privacy policy of the Sponsor. By entering the Sweepstakes, you grant Sponsor permission to share your email address and any other personally identifiable information within the 500 Festival Organization for the purpose of administration and prize fulfillment. Your image and name will also be posted on the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook page.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Sponsor assumes no responsibility or liability for (a) any incorrect or inaccurate entry information, or for any faulty or failed electronic data transmissions; (b) any unauthorized access to, or theft, destruction or alteration of entries at any point in the operation of this Social Media Contest; (c) any technical malfunction, failure, error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or communications line failure, regardless of cause, with regard to any equipment, systems, networks, lines, satellites, servers, camera, computers or providers utilized in any aspect of the operation of the Social Media Contest; (d) inaccessibility or unavailability of any network or wireless service, the Internet or website or any combination thereof; (e) suspended or discontinued Internet, wireless or landline phone service; or (f) any injury or damage to participant’s or to any other person’s computer or mobile device which may be related to or resulting from any attempt to participate in the Social Media Contest or download of any materials in the Social Media Contest.

Social Media Contest Entry Rules:

1. Download and customize your race bib and complete your race
2. Get creative with your photo! Did you encounter any motivational signs along your course? Does your unique Indy Mini course have mountains in the background? Do you have a special costume you wore on your walk or run to make it feel like May in Indianapolis? We want to see it!
3. Share your image on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, tag the 500 Festival and use the hashtag #IndyMini by June 30
4. The top 10 photos will be selected by the 500 Festival and posted in an album to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook page the week of July 6.
5. Voting will take place from the week of July 6 until July 24. Participants will vote for their favorite photo by liking it. The photo with the most likes as of 8 am ET on July 24 will be selected as the winner!
6. Winner will be announced on July 24.

Posts must be public, tag the 500 Festival, and use the hashtag #IndyMini to be considered. The top 10 photos will be selected from Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and will be chosen based on creativity and adherence to contest rules.

While social distancing, many consumers are trying to avoid public spaces unless necessary. One of the most common and challenging spaces to avoid is the grocery store. While training for the virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, it is essential to properly fuel and nourish your body. Though avoiding stores can be difficult and some supplies may be low, there are some easy items you can purchase that are great to fuel your body during your training.  

The key to fueling your body during the training process is to consume nutrient dense foods, which will also improve your overall health and fitness. It is important to consume a wide variety of lean proteins, good carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Drinking proper amounts of water and overall hydration is also key to nourishing your body during training.  

Easy food items to obtain to fuel your training:  Lean protein: white-meat chicken, turkey, lean pork fish, eggs 

• Lean protein: white-meat chicken, turkey, lean pork fish, eggs 
• Grains: quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal, bread, bagels, pasta  
• Vegetables: carrots, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, squash 
• Fruits: bananas, apples, unsweetened dried fruit 
• Healthy fats: nut butters, avocado 
• Dairy: milk, Greek yogurt, cheese  
• Snacks: pretzels, Clif bars, trail mix  

To hydrate during your training, drink plenty of water. Drinking fluids that contain carbohydrates and proteins such as Gatorade and chocolate milk can also help fuel your training.  

Maintaining proper nutrition and wellness will help to push both your body and mind toward the finish line. These pantry stables and grocery items can help strengthen and fuel your body to reach your training and race day goals.  

Registration for the virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K is now open, click HERE! Visit indymini.com for more virtual resources and training tips.