Month: July 2022

The 500 Festival mini-mini is returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this August! Hundreds of mini runners and walkers are already registered and ready to take on the only kids’ run to take place at the world’s largest sporting venue! No matter your mini runner’s distance of choice, here are a few distance running tips for kids to prepare for the big day.

Make a Plan

There are guidelines and safety measures on how to complete activities properly and within reason, like a pitch count in baseball, how to head a soccer ball, or tackle correctly in football. For kids, no such parameters are set for running, meaning there is little to help you guide your mini runner through realistic training programs.

The simple solution? Make a plan specific to them and get active.

Start Easy

We’ve seen kids conquer the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon at age 13, and it’s been recorded that children as young as 7 have completed full marathons. The result of taking on those distances at a young age can be hit or miss, but we suggest starting a bit smaller.

Train Smart

Make sure they listen to their bodies. The summer heat can be tricky and make it challenging to manage pace and stamina. Never push them too hard and always remember to stay hydrated.

Eat Healthy

The more they run, the hungrier they’re going to get. And that can be a great way to get them eating right! When they’re ready to eat just about anything after a long run, put the healthy stuff in front of them.

Run at Your Own Pace

All kids develop at a different rate, so don’t get caught up in comparing your mini runner’s abilities to other kids their age. Let them go at their own pace!

Make it Fun

Finding ways to make running fun can be the biggest thing that makes or breaks a young runner’s passion for the sport. Having friends to run with or goals to achieve – like the 500 Festival mini-mini – can fuel their competitive future as a runner.

Whatever their age, ability, or passion, get them excited about running at the 500 Festival mini-mini on August 21 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Not yet registered? Register your mini runner today!

Heat waves are taking over summer 2022. While there is nothing like some fun in the sun, it is also important to stay safe when in the summer heat.

For little runners preparing for the 500 Festival mini-mini in August, the summer sun can be a challenge and they need to be ready for the summer heat at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here are a few tips to help them beat the heat and stay safe through their summer running, or any outdoor summer activities!

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after running or playing.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing (not black or dark colors).
• Find shaded areas to run and play. They can cool you down as much as 10-15 degrees.
• Make sure they listen to their bodies. Tell them not to be a hero!
• Foods that fight the muscle cramps – Things like bananas, watermelon, and celery are great food sources that combat dehydration. Surprisingly, things like beans and sweet potatoes are, too!
• Limit extended periods of time outdoors. Run or play in 15–20-minute increments with sufficient break times.
• The cool down: Find a pool, a hose, sprinklers, or any way to cool off after! A quick cool down of your body temperature is important but can also be fun after breaking a sweat.

Most importantly, get them training for the 500 Festival mini-mini at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 21! Register today for just $20!