These 5 Things Are Guaranteed Fun at the 500 Festival mini-mini

The 500 Festival mini-mini is an event unlike any other. With thousands of kids (ages 5-12) gearing up to run on the world’s largest racetrack (the Indianapolis Motor Speedway), there’s no kids run quite like it. But this event is much more than just a race on the iconic Speedway. There’s a full day of … Continue reading “These 5 Things Are Guaranteed Fun at the 500 Festival mini-mini”

The 500 Festival mini-mini is an event unlike any other. With thousands of kids (ages 5-12) gearing up to run on the world’s largest racetrack (the Indianapolis Motor Speedway), there’s no kids run quite like it. But this event is much more than just a race on the iconic Speedway. There’s a full day of fun to experience, and these 5 things at the 2018 500 Festival mini-mini will guarantee your mini-mini runner has a blast on August 26.

 

1. Games Galore

With obstacle courses, inflatable games, and more, there’s plenty of fun to be found before or after your mini-mini runner’s race.

 

2. Glamorous Gear

Each mini-mini runner receives a shirt and finisher’s medal, but competition is still part of the day. The top 3 boy and girl finishers in each age group will take home trophies, too!

 

3. Phenomenal Photo Ops

Your mini-mini runner will have photos to remember forever. Pose with the wreath and the milk at Victory Circle, kiss the Yard of Bricks, or stand proudly in front of the Pagoda!

 

4. Fantastic Food

Numerous food trucks and food vendors will line the Plaza at IMS. What’s a day at the track without some fantastic food?

 

5. Racing to Remember

They might run a lot of races during their childhood, but this is one racetrack they’ll always remember.

 

Registration for the 500 Festival mini-mini is just $15 and includes a shirt and finisher’s medal. Five distances from .5 miles to 2.5 miles are available for any and all abilities. Click here to register!

See you at the track on August 26!

 

8 Signs You Conquered the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Each year, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is special and unique. Here are 8 signs that you ran the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon:   The sea of people in your starting corral gave you chills and you realized why it’s called The Greatest Spectacle in Running.   2. You truly appreciate spectators, their funny signs and … Continue reading “8 Signs You Conquered the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon”

Each year, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is special and unique. Here are 8 signs that you ran the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon:

 

  1. The sea of people in your starting corral gave you chills and you realized why it’s called The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

 

2. You truly appreciate spectators, their funny signs and effort to ease the pain.

 

3. The Gold Mile brought you to tears and Dixie the Praying Deer Dog made you smile.

 

 

4. You were greeted at the finish line by Meb Keflezighi (America’s greatest distance runner)!

 

5. Your Finisher Medal is hanging for all to see.

 

6. You’ve already registered for the 2019 Mini-Marathon because nothing compares to that post-race feeling.

 

 

7. You instantly feel a connection with anyone wearing this year’s Mini-Marathon shirt.

 

 

8. You kissed the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Take advantage of the Race Weekend rate and register for the 2019 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, today!

5 Ways to Stay Hydrated on Race Day

The sun is finally shining in Indianapolis and it looks to be a beautiful day at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! With cloudless skies and warm temperatures in the forecast, fear of dehydration comes into play. As Indy Mini participants become acclimated to the warmer weather, maintaining a balanced hydration level is even more pertinent … Continue reading “5 Ways to Stay Hydrated on Race Day”

The sun is finally shining in Indianapolis and it looks to be a beautiful day at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! With cloudless skies and warm temperatures in the forecast, fear of dehydration comes into play. As Indy Mini participants become acclimated to the warmer weather, maintaining a balanced hydration level is even more pertinent for a safe and successful race. Follow these tips to maximize your potential on race day!

 

  1. Regulate your water intake – don’t over or under hydrate! Know how much water you should be drinking daily and use that as a guide.
  • Weight multiplied by 0.67 = Ounces of Daily Water Intake
  • Add 12 ounces for every 30 minutes of exercise

 

  1. Start focusing on hydrating NOW, not just the day before the race!

 

  1. Avoid sun and stay rested during days prior.

 

  1. Take advantage of the 12 Pit Stations (water stations) located along the Indy Mini course – even if you aren’t thirsty!

 

  1. Wear loose fitting and sweat-wicking clothing.

 

Keep an eye on the forecast and get excited for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Be nice to your body and HYDRATE – your body will thank you!

New in 2018 | OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

The 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is shaping up to be the best one yet, with new features and running legends throughout the week’s events. The yearly traditions and race-day magic that surround the massive sporting event are what participants and spectators come to expect, but additions to the 2018 Mini-Marathon will offer … Continue reading “New in 2018 | OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon”

The 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is shaping up to be the best one yet, with new features and running legends throughout the week’s events. The yearly traditions and race-day magic that surround the massive sporting event are what participants and spectators come to expect, but additions to the 2018 Mini-Marathon will offer new and unique elements of excitement!

 

Celebrities

As one of the largest half marathons in the nation, the Mini-Marathon garners athletes and notable figures who want a piece of the legendary event. Among a slew of elite participants who are set to toe the start line on May 5, some famed Olympians are on the docket for Indy Mini festivities! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself running alongside superstars like Tony Dungy, too!

 

  • Meb Keflezighi – Greatest American distance runner in the history of the sport, Olympic medalist in the marathon distance, New York City Marathon winner and Boston Marathon winner.
  • Alexi Pappas – Olympian and Greek national record-holder in the 10,000 meters.
  • Andrew Peterson – Second Special Olympics athlete to qualify for the Boston Marathon and a local resident of the greater Indianapolis area.
  • Frank Shorter – Only American athlete to win two medals in the Olympic Marathon. Shorter was running’s biggest star in the 1970s and 80s and the winner of the first-ever Mini-Marathon in 1977.
  • Bill Rodgers – Olympian and four-time winner of the Boston Marathon, and the winner of the 1978 Mini-Marathon.

 

Medal Engraving

The 500 Festival is offering a way for you to remember the amazing accomplishment of finishing the Mini-Marathon! Participants will be able to have their finishing time etched into the finisher medal upon the completion of the race!

 

Pacesetters

Crew members of the USS Indiana, SSN 789 will serve as the official Pacesetters for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Petty Officer Perez completed 13.1 miles in 1:52:00 flat.  For each participant who finishes faster than the USS Indiana sailors, the 500 Festival will contribute $1 to charity.

 

Gold Mile

Along the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Gold Mile will feature a mile-long segment of the Indy Mini course that is dedicated to cultivating the patriotic and motivational spirit of Gold Star Families. Dressed in gold shirts, individuals will line the toughest peak of the course with American flags, pictures, banners, messages and sentimental items of their fallen heroes.

 

Check out the Expo schedule for celebrity meet & greets and autograph sessions!

 

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Katie Dogan

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.    Katie’s Story   I never considered myself a runner. In high school and college, I was a … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Katie Dogan”

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. 

 

Katie’s Story

 

I never considered myself a runner. In high school and college, I was a marching band kid and my experience with running never exceeded three miles. I always wanted to run a half marathon because I was so impressed by my friends who had done it. I felt like it was an obtainable goal, but I would always say, “well, next year maybe I’ll attempt it when I have more running endurance.” It wasn’t until 2015, when I went running with my roommate who pushed me to run four miles, that I realized I was capable of running a half marathon. Everything just clicked. I thought running more than three miles was impossible, but I did it – so I knew I could do 13.1 too! That March, I signed up for my first half marathon (which was of course the Indy Mini)!

 

Katie’s #IndyMini Experience

 

I remember going to watch my boyfriend (now fiancé) run the Mini in 2014. This was the first huge race I had ever attended and I had no idea what to expect. After experiencing the race as a spectator, I knew I had to be a participant in this race someday! I had no idea how or when, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The next year, I finally signed up! I fought hard during my first Mini-Marathon, but I came out disappointed that I didn’t hit my goal time. It took me a few hours (and a few thousand calories) later to finally feel the enormity of what I had accomplished. It didn’t matter if I was fast or slow, if I hit my goal or didn’t – I completed 13.1 miles and that was more than enough!

 

Once you are able to look past goal times and PRs, you realize how special this race is. At that point in my Indy Mini experience, I knew I was in this for life! I love this race and the sense of community. For my fiancé and me, the Mini-Marathon is basically a holiday – we would never think of skipping it. It’s a yearly routine; sign up, train together and peer pressure everyone (seriously EVERYONE) I know to run with us. To me, the Indy Mini is all about dreaming big, crushing goals and having your friends, family and community there to support you. There’s no place I’d rather be on the first weekend of May!

 

Katie’s Advice

 

Be conscious of your body on race day. The biggest mistake I made during my first half marathon was thinking that whatever I could do in training, I could do on race day. Race day is difficult. Between the nerves, excitement, water, etc., your body won’t necessarily feel the same as it does on training runs. Everyone has good runs and bad runs. It’s unfair when our bad runs are on race day, but when that happens, the most important thing is to just stop, look around and really soak it all in.

 

Feeling inspired by Katie’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Katie, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

7 Spectator Strategies For The 2018 Indy Mini

The spectator – participant relationship is pretty special. If you’ve taken on the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in either role, you know that it’s one of the race’s defining features.   When a state’s passion for racing meets Hoosier hospitality, the city of Indianapolis goes from training for a race to training for a month-long … Continue reading “7 Spectator Strategies For The 2018 Indy Mini”

The spectator – participant relationship is pretty special. If you’ve taken on the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in either role, you know that it’s one of the race’s defining features.

 

When a state’s passion for racing meets Hoosier hospitality, the city of Indianapolis goes from training for a race to training for a month-long lineup of community celebrations.

 

How do we train? We come together to spectate, celebrate, and make everyone in our city feel welcome.

 

So, just as the participants have been training, it’s important that spectators are equally prepared. We’ve outlined seven spectator strategies that will be appreciated by Indy Mini participants on May 5:

 

  1. Personalize Your Cheers

Some participants will have their name on their bib or shirt. Use it! There is extra motivation in knowing that strangers care. Participants will be motivated to uphold your faith in them!

2. Get Creative

Make a poster or a sign that encourages or entertains.

3. Be Interactive

Throw out your hand for a high five or use an engaging sign to bring participants to you.

 

4. Be Selective

Think about what you wouldn’t want to hear. Cheering “you’re almost there” at mile two probably wouldn’t be applicable or beneficial motivation.

 

5. Be Funny & Thoughtful

Aim for a smile! If you were digging deep to get through 13.1 miles, wouldn’t you want to hear an occasional joke or clever spur?

6. Plan Your Location

Plan your spectating location using the course map. That way, your participant can know where to expect to see you.

 

7. Be a Fan of Everyone

Fill in the gaps as needed and be a fan of all passing Indy Mini participants. After all, it’s May in Indianapolis and we’re all part of the celebration.

 

The Indy Mini is an event that unifies the community. This year, the 500 Festival challenges you to be a part of someone’s Indy Mini story. On May 5, hold up the sign, be the voice, and help cultivate the energy for one of the largest half marathons in the nation.

 

See you soon, Indy!

Follow the Milk | Indy Mini Blog

As the saying goes, “Winner’s Drink Milk!”   You already know the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon medal represents the iconic milk bottle from the winner’s circle of the Indy 500, but did you know everyone in Indy is trying to get their hands on it?   The 2018 Indy Mini medal has been making people … Continue reading “Follow the Milk | Indy Mini Blog”

As the saying goes, “Winner’s Drink Milk!”

 

You already know the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon medal represents the iconic milk bottle from the winner’s circle of the Indy 500, but did you know everyone in Indy is trying to get their hands on it?

 

The 2018 Indy Mini medal has been making people feel like winners everywhere it goes, and it’s not even May yet.

 

Follow along on Instagram during the final week of April to watch this 4-inch piece of history make a few laps around the circle city.

 

Once May arrives, the milk is reserved for Indy Mini finishers!

 

Register for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon before online registration closes on April 30!

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Ryan McElroy

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.   Ryan’s Story   I grew up in Ireland and have been living in Indianapolis for the past … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Ryan McElroy”

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.

 

Ryan’s Story

 

I grew up in Ireland and have been living in Indianapolis for the past two years. Last year, I witnessed my first OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon for the first time. As people crossed the finish line, I saw looks of accomplishment while people embraced their friends and family. I wanted to be a part of something that was so impactful for individuals of all ages and abilities.

I also work in the events industry and have an appreciation for this unique festival!

 

Ryan’s #IndyMini Experience

 

I became aware of the 500 Festival through fellow students at IUPUI. From an outside perspective, I have learned that the 500 Festival is special to Hoosiers. Since moving to Indianapolis, I have recognized the importance of the month of May and have come to learn that there is a sense of civic pride associated with it.

 

Although I have always played some form of sports, I never considered myself a runner. I get satisfaction from achieving personal goals and being a part of the 500 Festival. I do most of my training around the downtown canal and White River Trail. From a personal standpoint, the Indy Mini is a great way to celebrate this and I am excited to immerse myself in this local tradition by running over the iconic bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Ryan’s Advice

 

While being physically able and training is important, so much of running with endurance comes down to your mindset. Set your goals high and believe in yourself!

 

Feeling inspired by Ryan’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Ryan, 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!

Davis Family’s Indy Mini Legacy Continues With Cart Gift

Danny Davis came up from Florida for the last four years to push his mother in a cart at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. This story was shared with us by Melynda Davis, Danny’s sister.    My Mom absolutely loved being a part of the Indy Mini. She shared their story and many pictures with … Continue reading “Davis Family’s Indy Mini Legacy Continues With Cart Gift”

Danny Davis came up from Florida for the last four years to push his mother in a cart at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. This story was shared with us by Melynda Davis, Danny’s sister. 

 

My Mom absolutely loved being a part of the Indy Mini. She shared their story and many pictures with everyone she knew, and many people she didn’t know.

 

Their motto was “Never Give Up” and they definitely did not give up. Each year, they kissed the bricks and my brother would help her out of the cart so they could both walk across the finish line. A sign on the back of the cart reads “There will come a day when I can no longer do this. But today is not that day.”

 

It is with a heavy heart that I must say that day has come. Our precious Mom and wife to my Dad of 52 years passed away on November 26, 2017. In honor of her, we would like to donate the cart to someone else who may not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in the Indy Mini. We would also be honored to make new vinyl stickers with the names of the cart’s new owner.

 

If you’re interested and will use the cart, please email Melynda Davis at mdavis8796@yahoo.com. We would like to thank the Indy Mini Team and the many runners who acknowledged Danny and our Mom, offered support or helped in any way.

Former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy to Run 500 Festival 5K

He’s coming home! Indianapolis icon and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has registered to run the 500 Festival 5K on May 5 in downtown Indianapolis. He decided to run to support his wife, Lauren Harris Dungy, who is participating in all 13.1 miles of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.   Dungy broke the … Continue reading “Former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy to Run 500 Festival 5K”

He’s coming home! Indianapolis icon and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has registered to run the 500 Festival 5K on May 5 in downtown Indianapolis. He decided to run to support his wife, Lauren Harris Dungy, who is participating in all 13.1 miles of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

Dungy broke the news via Twitter after registering early on Wednesday morning (Apr. 18).

 

 

Coach Dungy led the Colts for seven seasons (2002-2008), amassing 10 wins or more in each season and winning the franchise’s only Super Bowl in 2006.

 

Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck ran the 5K in 2016. Former punter Pat McAfee helped the 500 Festival kick off the month of May at Kickoff to May in 2016, too. Tony, however, has registered as a regular participant. Be sure to look for him on the course.

 

Want to join (and hopefully see) the Dungy duo at the Indy Mini or 5K on May 5? Online registration is still available through April 30!