Did you know that research has shown that those who volunteer live longer? Ok, not really…but without volunteers the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon would not be possible! It takes thousands of volunteers to make one of the nation’s largest half marathons a success and more than 500 of those volunteers come from the title sponsor of the Mini-Marathon.
This #IndyMini story is about the largest group of enthusiastic volunteers from OneAmerica who don’t look for praise for the jobs they do at the Mini-Marathon, but do what needs to be done to help make an impact in the community they love. Their contributions and hard work help make the Mini-Marathon a success each year.
For more than a decade, Randy and Rhonda Smith from OneAmerica have packed up their fifth wheel with tailgating supplies and headed out to the Mini-Marathon to bring together hundreds of volunteers. The volunteers from OneAmerica have forged bonds throughout the years and these bonds have fostered a close knit community.
“It is very special to see that so many of our volunteers take the opportunity to bring groups of friends and family and volunteer together. We work with a great group of veteran and new volunteers and feel very blessed to work with each of them.” -Rhonda Smith
Like many of the thousands of volunteers at the Mini-Marathon, OneAmerica volunteers line the track to pass out Gatorade or water for the participants. They take pleasure in energizing runners and walkers by giving them the replenishment their bodies need to go the distance. This group also thrives on offering motivation, words of encouragement, and humor for participants.
“We try to make it fun for the runners and walkers. Our stations wear anything from crazy hats, mustaches, to superhero capes and masks.” –Rhonda Smith
OneAmerica volunteers have made volunteering at the Mini-Marathon a team building experience that is fun and engaging. They take pride in their support of the 500 Festival’s largest fundraiser, and each year they strive to make their involvement memorable.
Volunteers at Mini-Marathon have an enormous impact on the outcome of the event, so as you make your way along the 13.1 mile course be sure to show gratitude for them and their hard work!
For more information on volunteering for this year’s 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, please click here.