#IndyMini Ambassador: Stephanie McClain

A record-breaking 42 Ambassadors will train, recruit, and inspire others this coming spring in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Here is one of their stories.    Stephanie’s Story In 2013, I volunteered with the county fair queens of Indiana at a water station on the back half of the … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Stephanie McClain”

A record-breaking 42 Ambassadors will train, recruit, and inspire others this coming spring in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Here is one of their stories. 

 

Stephanie’s Story

In 2013, I volunteered with the county fair queens of Indiana at a water station on the back half of the race. This particular water stop was revealing of each individual and how their race was finishing up. In their faces, you saw determination, perseverance, passion, and a fight for the finish… I knew then I wanted to run this race one day, and I did four years later.

 

I took advantage of the Mini Maniac Challenge and participated in the Miler Series and the Mini-Marathon. After each of the Miler Series races, my mother-in-law would ask how my race went. She would join me in a heartbeat if she were able to. She has muscular dystrophy and is wheelchair bound. She is the reason that I run. When the miles become hard, my legs feel like lead and my heart wants to burst out of my chest, I think of Leah and what she would do for another chance to teach aerobics, or dance, or merely walk again. I run for her cure. I am thankful for her support and the way that she encourages me to get out there, no matter the pace, to be the healthiest version of me that I can be.

 

 

Stephanie’s Mini-Marathon Experience

 

This will be my second Indy Mini and I’m hoping to PR!

 

The Indy Mini is unique in various aspects. First, the Indy Mini means something different to everyone. Each participant has a different story to tell and brings different passion and fire to a triumphant physical accomplishment. Second, the support and encouragement by bands, spectators and fans alike throughout the course of the race is unlike any other event. There are spectators with signs, costumes, instruments, and countless volunteers cheering you on to the finish line, wishing you only success.

 

Stephanie’s Advice

 

I highly encourage participating in the Miler Series! It provides great checkpoints along the training season, and it’s awesome to meet new people who are working towards the same goal! I also recommend finding a group for long runs. They can get lonely and boring if you’re out there alone. Find an accountability partner, great socks and you’ll be ready to go! Enjoy the experience, take in every moment, and know that if you put in the hard work, it will pay off.

 

 

Click here to learn more about the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. #IndyMini 

Official 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Participant Shirt Revealed

The official 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant shirt and hat are here! If you’ve been waiting to see the swag for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, then wait no more.   We joined our friends at WTHR to reveal the design for the 2018 Indy Mini participant shirt and hat from OneAmerica. We … Continue reading “Official 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Participant Shirt Revealed”

The official 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant shirt and hat are here! If you’ve been waiting to see the swag for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, then wait no more.

 

We joined our friends at WTHR to reveal the design for the 2018 Indy Mini participant shirt and hat from OneAmerica. We also offered a sneak peek at an updated prototype for the Finisher Medal. Here’s what 2018 Participants will receive at this year’s race:

 

Participant Shirt

The shirt design for the 42nd running of the Indy Mini features a number of Indianapolis and Indy 500 themes. Most notably, the top of the Borg-Warner Trophy is featured on the front of the shirt just like the raised silver medallion on this year’s medal. The back of the shirt features a large crest that includes an iconic photo of the Pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the distance of 13.1 miles, the Indianapolis flag, and the famed yard of bricks.

 

Just like the medal, this year’s shirt design is a unique first. It’s the first participant shirt to come in 500 Festival red and feature an off-center logo. The long-sleeve participant shirt compliments the red accents on the 2018 medal, and the blue hat completes the ensemble with red, white and blue represented in all of this year’s gear.

 

This year’s participant shirt is made of a blended poly fabric to maximize ventilation and comfort while wicking away sweat. Shirts will be gender specific for optimal fit.

 

Participant Hat

The 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant hat, provided by OneAmerica, pulls from the same color pallet as the shirt and medal. We think it looks awesome!

 

Ready to let the world know you’re taking on the Greatest Spectacle in Running? We’ve created an #IndyMini #FlatRunner that you can post on social media! Get your #IndyMini #FlatRunner here.

 

Want to view more photos of the participant shirt? Click Here

 

The 2018 Indy Mini participant swag is just the beginning! To check out the complete list of what 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participants will receive, click here.

Miler Series Price Increases Friday

As the holiday season approaches and New Year’s resolutions begin to feel like realities, the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, is here to help.   Knowing the rigorous transformation process from winter hibernator to springtime success story, the 500 Festival created the Miler Series. The Milers are a spring series of races stair-stepping … Continue reading “Miler Series Price Increases Friday”

As the holiday season approaches and New Year’s resolutions begin to feel like realities, the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, is here to help.

 

Knowing the rigorous transformation process from winter hibernator to springtime success story, the 500 Festival created the Miler Series. The Milers are a spring series of races stair-stepping runners and walkers toward 13.1 miles in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

The Miler Series consists of three unique distance, including a 3-Miler, 6-Miler and 10-Miler. The races take place in February, March and April in downtown Indianapolis with three different courses and more city-centric routes than the Indy Mini.

 

If you’re looking for a great way to achieve those New Year’s resolutions and make some friends along the way, then master the Milers and defeat downtown Indy this spring.

 

But hurry! The price increases this Friday (Dec. 15) at midnight!

 

Learn more about the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy

 

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Jenilynne Hall

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.    Jenilynne’s Story   I started running for myself in 2012. In 2015, my first Indy Mini was … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Jenilynne Hall”

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. 

 

Jenilynne’s Story

 

I started running for myself in 2012. In 2015, my first Indy Mini was about me and proving to myself that I could do it.

 

In 2016. while working my overnight shift as a 911 dispatcher, Deputy Carl Koontz was shot and killed in the line of duty. I remember that feeling; the helplessness, the sadness, the shock. In the days and weeks after this tragedy, I remember wondering how a society could be so hateful toward the men and women that are sworn to protect and serve our communities.

 

With my training for the Indy Mini just beginning, I knew that I wanted to make my 2016 race about “backing the blue.” I dedicated that year’s Indy Mini to those that I work with, to those that have become like brothers and sisters to me, and specifically to Deputy Carl Koontz. As it’s commonly said: “When a police officer is killed, it’s not an agency that loses an officer, it’s an entire nation.” I ended up crossing the finish line that year with a personal record.

 

In 2017, my sisters and I teamed up with Flags4Fallen and ran with American Flags the entire 13.1 miles in honor of Abigail Williams and Liberty German; the two girls who went missing earlier that year in my hometown of Delphi, Indiana. The flags we ran with were later given to the families of the girls. Again, I crossed the finish line that year with a PR and a lot of tears.

 

Through the years, it seems that once I started running for a cause, it’s made my journey through training and race day much more worth it.

 

Jenilynne’s Mini-Marathon Experience

My favorite thing about the Indy Mini is the atmosphere on Race Weekend. It starts with the Mini-Marathon Expo, which is so much fun and there’s excitement leading up to race day.

 

The day of the Mini is out of this world. So many people line the streets of Downtown Indianapolis before the race. The blaring music, the spectators, the countdown. Then there’s the actual race itself. The course entertainment that lines the streets of Indy is unforgettable. I’ve told so many people that I don’t even need to use my music on my phone. There is enough live music to keep me pumped and going all 13.1 miles!

 

The Post Race Party is the ultimate celebration and the amount of support and love from the volunteers and other participants is so wonderful. There are a lot of races where some people’s competitiveness can take the fun out of the everyday participant’s experience. The Indy Mini takes away that uncomfortable feeling. Everyone is a finisher and everyone is celebrated!

 

 

Jenilynne’s Advice

Have fun! Don’t give up. Even when you think you can’t go any further, you can. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep repeating that. Not everyone can say they are an Indy Mini finisher!

 

Feeling inspired by Jenilynne’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on behalf of a charity, check out our Mini With a Meaning Program.

 

Jenilynne, 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!

 

Click here to learn more about the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

#IndyMini Ambassador: Danielle Shively

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.    Danielle’s Story   I used to be a group fitness instructor. I was (and still am) passionate … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Danielle Shively”

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. 

 

Danielle’s Story

 

I used to be a group fitness instructor. I was (and still am) passionate about what I do  and helping inspire others to believe that they can do anything they set their minds to. As time went by, I lost that connection to group fitness. However, I found that for me, running was the perfect way to continue to help motivate and inspire others.

 

Along my journey I’ve enjoyed seeing those heartwarming stories on the race course or helping that person along the way who felt like they couldn’t make it. Running is so much more than what we do physically, it’s about the connections we make and the stories we are able to tell to help inspire others.

 

Personally, running has a much deeper meaning. My younger sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Her diagnosis inspired me to run the Chicago Marathon for the American Cancer Society’s Team Determination. Running for a charity is the most empowering feeling one can get. Being able to run for those who can’t is what sets our sport apart.

 

Every year, I run for a different reason.  The first year was because I wanted to challenge myself to do something I never thought possible. The second and third year I was hunting for a PR. Now, I’m running for someone else. Every race, while I’m standing at the Start Line, my first thought is about my sister, not how I will do or where I will finish.  If a run gets hard, I just think of her and remember she is pushing me through. It’s about making  connections along the way and each race having a story to tell at the end.

 

Danielle’s #IndyMini Experience

My favorite part of the Indy Mini is entering into Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I love the course entertainment along the entire route, but the Speedway just gives me goosebumps! All the people are there welcoming us and cheering us along Main Street.  If you had any questions about why this race is so special, that feeling should be the first stop at answering any doubt.

 

I also love how welcoming the race is to all participants! The Indy Mini makes everyone comfortable to participate in. If you are an elite runner, recreational jogger, or a walker, this race just has a way of helping everyone feel welcome.

 

Danielle’s Advice

Take it slow, listen to your body, and never forget the reason why you are running. Never give up and always believe that you can complete any challenge you set in front of you.

 

Feeling inspired by Danielle’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on behalf of a charity, check out our Mini With a Meaning Program.

Danielle, 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!

 

5 Months to Mini; 5 Steps to Get Started

“On the first month of training my true love gave to me… Epic Training Gear!”   Maybe your true love didn’t get you epic training gear for the holidays this season, but they should. And that’s just step one of what do with five months until the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Check out the latest … Continue reading “5 Months to Mini; 5 Steps to Get Started”

“On the first month of training my true love gave to me… Epic Training Gear!”

 

Maybe your true love didn’t get you epic training gear for the holidays this season, but they should. And that’s just step one of what do with five months until the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Check out the latest #IndyMini gear at the online store.

 

Step two? About 150 days remain until the 2018 edition of The Greatest Spectacle in Running, and it’s nearing decision time. New Year’s resolutions are on the horizon, and in order to stick to those commitments, you may need help at your side. So recruit a friend!

 

Step three is picking your training plan. May we suggest the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy?  Unique distances of 3, 6, and 10 miles let you stair-step your way to a 13.1-mile victory in May.

 

Preparing your trip is step four! Unless your one of the locals, driving  an hour or more and finding appropriate parking might stifle your race morning ritual. Be sure to make your race weekend spectacular by staying in downtown Indy. Check out the official Indy Mini room block and book today!

 

Step five? Get your training started!

 

Learn more about the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Chloe Nash

A record-breaking 42 Ambassadors will train, recruit, and inspire others this coming spring in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Here is one of their stories.    Chloe’s Story I started running the Indy Mini in a very unique way. In December of 2016, I was having the last conversation … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Chloe Nash”

A record-breaking 42 Ambassadors will train, recruit, and inspire others this coming spring in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Here is one of their stories. 

 

Chloe’s Story

I started running the Indy Mini in a very unique way. In December of 2016, I was having the last conversation I would ever have with my aunt. The last thing I promised her was that I would run the Indy Mini with my uncle in her honor.

For me, the Indy Mini is a way to share a message. I run for METAvivor, a foundation for Stage 4 Metastatic breast cancer. I run for awareness and to raise money. For me, this cause is very close to my heart because it is what got me started in running. I made a promise with my aunt and I carried it out in a way that I never thought was possible. Now, I not only get to continue sharing her story and cause, I also get to do it while running the best half marathon in the world.

 

Chloe’s Mini-Marathon Experience

My favorite thing about the Indy Mini is all the people covering every part of the course, cheering you on and calling your name. I also love how all the runners are, in a way, a family. We all get to know each other while waiting for the race to start, and it’s an amazing experience.

 

Chloe’s Advice

One thing I would say to first-timer runners is no matter how bad you are hurting, you just have to remember why you decided to run. Just remember that and you will always be able to make it through.

 

Click here to learn more about the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. #IndyMini 

#CyberMonday Countdown!

It’s that time of year again! The 500 Festival is offering a Black Friday special available Friday morning (12:01 am) – Cyber Monday (11:59 pm).   *This offer ends at 11:59 PM TONIGHT!    This ornament is a scaled down replica of the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Finisher Medal. A two-sided ornament, the front … Continue reading “#CyberMonday Countdown!”

It’s that time of year again! The 500 Festival is offering a Black Friday special available Friday morning (12:01 am) – Cyber Monday (11:59 pm).

 

*This offer ends at 11:59 PM TONIGHT! 

 

This ornament is a scaled down replica of the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Finisher Medal. A two-sided ornament, the front features a 13.1 emblem, the date of the 2018 race and a message from Meb Keflezighi, the greatest runner in American history and 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant. The back of the medal features a nutrition label, highlighting unique Indy Mini participant facts, including the number of inches, feet, and steps in the Mini-Marathon. These facts pay tribute to the “ingredients” for victory, including the training, strength, endurance, and greatness that goes into every participant’s Indy Mini story.  

 

  • The ornament measures 2.75″ tall and 1.25″ wide
  • It’s two-sided
  • The ornament will ship in a commemorative gift box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage for years to come
  • Supplies of this ornament are limited to the first 1,000 people to register for the 2018 Indy Mini or challenges, so register soon!

 

This offer is only available for Mini-Marathon and Challenge registrations. It is not valid for registrations for the 500 Festival 5K or 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy.

 

Additional Questions? Email raceinfo@500festival.com.

 

Hurry! This Black Friday offer is only available to the first 1,000 to register!

 

 

< Register to get your 2018 Holiday ornament medal! >

3 Reasons to Visit Us at the Drumstick Dash Expo

The 500 Festival crew will have a booth at Wednesday’s Drumstick Dash Expo located at Broad Ripple High School, and we want to see you!   Not only do we enjoy talking with participants of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon – and seeing them use their legs to give back to the Wheeler Mission and … Continue reading “3 Reasons to Visit Us at the Drumstick Dash Expo”

The 500 Festival crew will have a booth at Wednesday’s Drumstick Dash Expo located at Broad Ripple High School, and we want to see you!

 

Not only do we enjoy talking with participants of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon – and seeing them use their legs to give back to the Wheeler Mission and a great cause – but we have some exciting reasons to stop by our booth!

1) Register for a discounted rate

When you register onsite at the Drumstick Dash Expo, you will get $5 off both the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 500 Festival 5K AND we’ll waive the online processing fees. That’s a savings of about $8!

 

2) check out the new 2018 medal

The 500 Festival released the new 2018 medal design on Tuesday. Wednesday at the Drumstick Dash Expo is your first chance to see it in person!

 

3) enter to win a free registration!

As always, when you see the 500 Festival set up at a race expo, you can enter to win a FREE registration for the upcoming year! Already registered? Enter anyway and we’ll refund your registration if you win.

 

See you there! And thanks for “moving your feet so others can eat!”

2018 Indy Mini Medal Features Milk Bottle

In 1936, Louis Meyer won the Indianapolis 500. He sped back to Victory Circle to celebrate and cooled off the only way he knew how… with a bottle of fresh buttermilk.   The milk bottle has since become a staple of victory at the Indianapolis 500 the same way wearing the wreath and kissing the … Continue reading “2018 Indy Mini Medal Features Milk Bottle”

In 1936, Louis Meyer won the Indianapolis 500. He sped back to Victory Circle to celebrate and cooled off the only way he knew how… with a bottle of fresh buttermilk.

 

The milk bottle has since become a staple of victory at the Indianapolis 500 the same way wearing the wreath and kissing the bricks (and the 500 Festival Queen) cement a driver’s place in history. Drinking the milk from Victory Circle is one of the most iconic moments in all of sports.

 

More than 80 years later, the tradition has grown and developed a phrase almost as popular as the tradition itself – “Winners Drink Milk.”

 

Regardless of speed and ability, defeating 13.1 miles in May is a victory. And there’s no better way to celebrate victory in May.

 

Along with this symbolic medal, the 2018 hardware also carries a signature from one of the greatest American distance runners of all time – Meb Keflezighi. Keflezighi will return to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon for the third and (possibly) final time in 2018 after retiring from the marathon distance at the TCS New York City Marathon in early November. Click here to read about Meb’s passion for the Mini-Marathon and his return to Indy.

 

The front of the medal highlights the Borg-Warner Trophy and the date of this year’s race on a raised silver medallion.

 

On the back of the medal, a nutrition label accents the unique Indy Mini participant facts, including the number of inches, feet, and steps in the Mini-Marathon. These facts pay tribute to the ingredients for victory, including the training, strength, endurance, and greatness that goes into every participant’s Indy Mini story.

 

This year’s medal is the first double-sided medal in the 42-year history of the Mini-Marathon. It’s also the second largest medal the race has ever produced, finishing runner-up to only the Borg-Warner Trophy medal in 2016.

 

To say we’re excited about this year’s design is a major understatement. We hope our participants are inspired by the significance of one of the most unique medal designs the Indy Mini has ever seen.

<<< Click here to view the full-size 2018 medal >>>