A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features. Here is one of their stories.
Gabe Lingenfelter is the youngest of the 2018 Indy Mini Ambassadors. He started running cross country in fifth grade. He ran his first Mini in sixth grade. Now, in eighth grade, he’ll come barreling down New York Street for the third consecutive year.
Gabe’s Story
My Indy Mini story is very special to me. Both my mom and grandpa are runners and they had been doing the Indy Mini for a few years. I always used to like watching them finish and I wondered what it would be like to run the race. I became a runner a few years ago and never imagined running that far. Then, a few years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She had to go through a lot of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She didn’t run the Mini-Marathon for a few years because of it. But in 2016, she was going to do the Mini again and I decided to do it with her. We found out that the Mini was almost one year exactly after her first chemo treatment. That made it even more special to all of us.
I ran the Mini that year and I had a lot of fun. The next year, I did it again with one of my friends. It has become a family tradition for us, and this is why the Indy Mini is special to me.
Gabe’s #IndyMini Experience
2018 will be third Mini-Marathon. My favorite thing about the race is that it’s memorable. I enjoy running it with my friends and family. I also like that you run around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I think something that makes it different from other races is the atmosphere. Everyone is included, even if you don’t do the Mini. There is a 5K and the mini-mini for younger kids. The feeling that you get at the start and finish are so much better than the feeling of other races. It gives you such a sense of accomplishment.
Gabe’s Advice
Don’t give up. We all have a reason we’re running, whether it’s to prove something, make a good time, or just to have fun. We all have a reason to run and you shouldn’t give up.
Feeling inspired by Gabe’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here.
Gabe, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing his training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!