Month: January 2024

Running In Remission- Michael Patterson’s #WhyIMini Story

Michael Patterson has such an inspiring story for anyone, no matter if you’re an Indy Mini participant or not. Michael’s story proves that even though medical challenges may appear, by persevering to achieve your goals, anything is possible. Check out his running and medical journey below!  

I’m a two-time Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Bone Marrow Transplant survivor. 

I was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2008 after a surgical procedure that removed a mass from my lower right quad, the size and weight of a small baby, and part of my colon. After my surgery and while undergoing chemotherapy, I had a recurrence of the disease in the form of two masses. After roughly two years of treatment, I had a lifesaving autologous bone marrow transplant. During and after treatment, I endured many procedures such as PET scans, CT scans, EGD, Colonoscopy, Ultrasound, transfusions, infusions, surgeries and so much more. 

The transition back to a healthy lifestyle was challenging to say the least. I was out of shape due to everything, so I had to start with a 5K. I probably walked half of it. I continued to push my training while increasing my distance. Next was a 10K, then 10 miles, then a half marathon, then a full marathon. At that time, I also started doing triathlons. I’ve been in remission for many years and have completed 21 full marathons, including the Monumental Marathon five times. I’ve completed two full Ironman triathlons and nine half Ironman. I’ve been able to complete many half marathons including the Indy Mini twice, and I’m currently registered for this year. It’s easily my favorite half. This fellow Hoosier was blown away with how well organized it was. Not to mention the volunteers, course, and fellow runners. I plan on being back this year and many years after, God willing.  

I am so grateful to be alive and I do my very best to make the most out of every day. I’m not perfect by any means, but I give my best effort every day. Also, my oncologist, nurses, PA’s and everyone who helped me fight, including my wife and family. Without them I couldn’t have done it. Running is a social sport, and I often share my story with hopes of inspiring someone who is going through tough times. 

48 Things to Know About the Indy Mini

The Indy Mini is a classic half marathon in the city of Indianapolis that has taken place consistently over the years since the beginning of the 500 Festival. The Mini-Marathon is a staple event in the Indianapolis area that challenges participants to complete 13.1 miles around the city. This race is extremely iconic to the Month of May and the Indianapolis 500 because it gets the community excited for the big race. In honor of the 48th running of the Indy Mini Marathon this year, here’s 48 things that you should know about the Mini Marathon!  

  1. There are 200 checkered flags lining Victory Mile, which is the last mile of the Mini-Marathon that leads to the finish line.  
  1. We have approximately 1,400 incredible volunteers who help during the week of the Mini-Marathon.  
  1. Over 20,000 bananas are handed out to participants at runner services after the race.  
  1. Nearly 50 exciting entertainment groups line the route.  
  1. The Mini-Marathon is a flat and fast course designed for setting personal records.  
  1. 15 countries represented by participants in the 2023 race.  
  1. There’s a celebratory Post-Race Party for participants and spectators at Military Park.  
  1. The Indy Mini is a timed half marathon on a USATF sanctioned course.  
  1. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of OneAmerica as the presenting partner of the Mini-Marathon.   
  1. Before 1999, the Indy Mini took place at noon on the Friday before the Indianapolis 500.  
  1. The first 500 finishers get a unique medal.  
  1.  Each participant gets a free post-race snack that consists of fruit, granola bars, cookies, and if permitted, a beer.  
  1. You can track your runner through the results page.  
  1.  There are multiple places you can watch the Mini like: the start line, Main Street in Speedway, the entrance to the Motor Speedway, Victory Mile, and the finish line.  
  1. Participants can get a chance to kiss the Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  
  1. There are 21 Indy Mini Ambassadors for this year’s race.  
  1. There have only been 5 participants who have completed the Mini each year since the beginning.  
  1. 140 athletes participated in the Elite Field in the Mini-Marathon in 2023.  
  1. There are 300 tables used throughout the course for pit stations and runner services.  
  1. 165,000 Gatorade and water cups are used at pit stations along the route.  
  1. The Mini-Marathon Expo Hall is about 40,000 sq. ft.  
  1. The Indy Mini was voted “America’s Best Half Marathon” by USA Today’s 10Best.  
  1. The course includes a 2.5-mile lap around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  
  1. The half marathon starts and finishes in the heart of Indianapolis.  
  1. The Post-Race Party includes free massages, a bottle of chocolate milk for participants, an entertainment stage, and more. 
  1. Participation in the Indy Mini helps the 500 Festival provide free youth health, fitness, and education events to Indiana schools.  
  1. The 500 Festival reaches more than 100,000 Hoosier children every year with the help of your participation in the Mini-Marathon.  
  1. The 500 Festival’s first idea for the half marathon was a bicycle race.  
  1. The first race in 1977 had just over 1,000 participants.  
  1. 20 years later in 1997, there were almost 19,700 participants.  
  1. The Indy Mini is known as ‘the Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.  
  1. Each finisher gets a unique finisher medal. 
  1. Parking is available in downtown Indy. Be sure to arrive early on race morning to allow time to park. 
  1. There is a designated ‘cheer zone’ for spectators and fans at the finish line.  
  1. WTHR-Channel 13 is the live broadcast coverage for the half-marathon.  
  1. The last few years, the weather during the race has been in the mid-60s.  
  1. There are 51 states (including DC) represented by participants each year.  
  1. There are currently 10 countries currently represented for this year’s race.  
  1. The Indy Mini was named one of “America’s Most Iconic Races” by Runner’s World.  
  1. In the 1980s, the 500 Festival sponsored a spaghetti dinner for the runners the night before the Mini.  
  1. The Indy Mini half marathon is 13.1 miles long.  
  1. Online registration for the Indy Mini closes on April 28th at 11:59 pm EST. 
  1. You can register in-person for the Mini-Marathon at the Expo. 
  1. You can submit an application to be seeded and placed in one of the earlier waves in the race.  
  1. The Gold Mile is one of the toughest miles of the race that pays tribute to fallen service members and their surviving families, with volunteers offering motivational encouragement.  
  1. There will be a group of pacers who will hold signs of the pace they are running so that you can meet your performance goals.  
  1. 90,000 safety pins used.  
  1. Reserve a tent in the InField during the Post-Race Party for family and friends to celebrate their participant by bringing their own food and beverages.