IndyMini | Blog

#MiniMonday Top 3: Win an Apple Watch, Seeding Deadline, & 75 Days

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week you have the opportunity to WIN an Apple Watch! Plus, the … Continue reading “#MiniMonday Top 3: Win an Apple Watch, Seeding Deadline, & 75 Days”

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week you have the opportunity to WIN an Apple Watch! Plus, the countdown continues. Only 22 days remain to submit proof of seeding and 75 days until the #IndyMini!

Apple Watch – Have you made your hotel reservations for this year’s #IndyMini? Reserve your room now to take advantage of the lowest rates and best selection race weekend has to offer! Guarantee a convenient and stress-free race weekend by choosing from a wide variety of hotels just steps away from the expo, start line and finish line. In addition to the great benefits you already receive by booking through our travel partner, Experient, you will be eligible to win a free Apple Watch just by booking through them! Don’t miss out on the exclusive benefits and book now.

Seeding Deadline – Would you like to start toward the front of the #IndyMini field? You can submit seeding proof in the form of race results from a race that has taken place between May 2, 2014 and March 15, 2016. For full details and time requirements, please click here. Remember – you may also use your results from our 3-Miler and 6-Miler, part of the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, for seeding proof! The 6-Miler is 12 days away and the perfect chance to put your pace to the test. If you haven’t registered already, online registration is open until Sunday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is $16. Click here to register.

75 Days – Only 75 days until the 40th running of #IndyMini! Will you be joining us? There is still plenty of time to train before May 7. If you’d like to tackle the Mega Mini Challenge, there are less than 10 spots left. Register tonight before it’s sold out! Would you like to upgrade your registration to the challenge? Please send an email to raceinfo@500festival.com and our registration team will be happy to help!

#MiniMonday Top 3: 2 Deadlines + 1 Exciting Update

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week we have 2 very important deadlines and an exciting Meb update! … Continue reading “#MiniMonday Top 3: 2 Deadlines + 1 Exciting Update”

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week we have 2 very important deadlines and an exciting Meb update!

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Deadline #1 – Do you, or someone you know, still need to register? Tomorrow is the last day to register before our next price increase! Register by Tuesday 11:59pm ET to SAVE $10 on your registration. Don’t miss out on the 40th running of the #IndyMini. We’re throwing a party you won’t want to miss!

Deadline #2 – Did you know that in order to qualify for the Mini Maniac Challenge, you need to be registered as a Mini Maniac Challenger? If you’ve registered for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy and the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon separately, and would upgrade to the Mini Maniac Challenge, please email raceinfo@500festival.com. Our registration team will be happy to help! Don’t delay, all upgrades must be complete by this Friday, February 17.

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Exciting Update – On Saturday, Meb Keflezighi made his fourth Olympic team and set the U.S. masters record. See what his teammates had to say about Meb following the race here. Their comments are a true testament to his character and sportsmanship. We couldn’t be more excited for him to run with us at this year’s #IndyMini!

#MiniMonday Top 3: Meb, Medals, & Money

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’ll do our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. It’s no secret that we have a fondness for words that begin with … Continue reading “#MiniMonday Top 3: Meb, Medals, & Money”

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’ll do our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. It’s no secret that we have a fondness for words that begin with the letter “M”. Whether it’s Mini, Mini-Marathon, Milers, or May, the words fill our vocabulary on a regular basis. This week is no exception!

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Meb – If you haven’t heard, Meb’s running the ‪#IndyMini! Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb Keflezighi is the only athlete in history to win the TCS New York City Marathon, The Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. The record setting runner won’t be starting with the other elite athletes. Instead, he’ll serve as the official starter for Wave 1 and Wave 2, then he’ll start his race at the very back of the field, to ensure all participants have the opportunity to run or walk with him! Keep your eye out for him this weekend. Meb will be competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials for the marathon on Saturday. Join us in cheering him on to the U.S. Olympic Team!

Medals – Here’s your sneak peek at the 2016 #IndyMini & 5K medals. To celebrate this year’s historic milestones, the medals honor an Indianapolis 500 century long tradition. Finishers will receive a rescaled replica of the Borg-Warner trophy, which is presented to the winner of the‪‬ Indianapolis 500 each year. Because the finisher medal bears a striking resemblance to one of the most popular trophies in sports, this year’s medal has bulked up in size and weight. It measures nearly 6 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide, and is twice as heavy as our normal medal. The 5K medal compliments the Mini-Marathon medal and is a replica of the wreath which is placed around the neck of the #Indy500 winner. Did you know you can earn BOTH medals? Learn more about the Mega Mini challenge here.

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Money – Everyone enjoys saving money, right? Do you, or someone you know, still need to register? We are quickly approaching our next price increase! Register by Tuesday 11:59pm ET to SAVE $10 on your registration. Don’t miss out on the 40th running of the #IndyMini. We’re throwing a party you won’t want to miss!

My #IndyMini Story: Caren Bond

According to SmokeFree.gov, when a person smokes, damage is caused to nearly every organ of the body including the lungs, muscles, and heart. Smokers also have an increased risk of illnesses such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as a reportedly higher incidence of shortness of breath and cough. Caren Bond knows the severe … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Caren Bond”

Caren Bond knows the severe damage that cigarette smoking can cause, personally. Her #IndyMini story is about overcoming an addiction to cigarettes. The willpower and perseverance it took to quit, and how she’s now living a longer, happier, and healthier life!

Around the time her father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago, Caren decided to quit smoking and make changes to get healthy. Being a two pack a day smoker, this was not an easy undertaking for her. But, she wholeheartedly wanted to get healthy, so she quit smoking and started exercising.

Her goal to get healthy led to a desire to start running, and with the support of her father-in-law combined with encouragement from her sisters, she did just that. She began running a mile at a time and before long she was adding more and more distance. In very little time, she was ready to run the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon.

After kicking a powerful addiction and sticking to her goal of improving her health, Caren felt that a celebration was in order. She got a group of friends together to run with her in the #IndyMini in a triumphant fashion.

“We wear fun outfits for the Mini. We celebrate us, our city, and we celebrate the Mini!” Bond said.

She regards her decision to get healthy and start running as a dramatic life changing journey. Since her first Indy Mini experience, Caren has run several half marathons and multiple full marathons. In addition to running the Indy Mini, Caren plans to run the Boston Marathon this year too!

When you see Caren Bond running the Mini Marathon this year, make sure to celebrate her successes with her and don’t forget to congratulate her for the strides that she has taken to be healthier.

My #IndyMini Story: Rob and Ryan Rueff

I’ve always wanted to run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, but knew I wanted to make the first time I ran it a special memory. Last March my 13-year-old son, Ryan, began running with me. You see, Ryan was diagnosed with autism when he was 18-months old. Team sports had been difficult for him, but … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Rob and Ryan Rueff”

I’ve always wanted to run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, but knew I wanted to make the first time I ran it a special memory.

Last March my 13-year-old son, Ryan, began running with me. You see, Ryan was diagnosed with autism when he was 18-months old. Team sports had been difficult for him, but we quickly found that running was a place where autism didn’t matter.

After a couple of months of running and completing his first 5k, we signed up for the Mill Race Half Marathon last September. We completed the race in 2:06:06, and that’s where our journey to the Mini-Marathon began!

Ryan has always enjoyed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and watching the Indianapolis 500. After we finished a run last year on the day of the Mini-Marathon, I had him watch the beginning of the race on television. I looked at him and asked, “Ryan, would you like to run that race some day? Would you like to run around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where the cars race?”

Ryan cracked a smile at me and replied, “Dad, I think we’d lose each other,” as we watched the mass of more than 30,000 runners take off on the course.

My biggest fear with Ryan when I signed us up for his first 5k and then the Mill Race Half Marathon was how he would handle the crowd at the beginning. Would he be able to keep his concentration for the entire distance?

He passed both of those tests back in October during the Mill Race Half Marathon, so I signed us up for the Mini-Marathon. I also signed us up for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, to give him a few more chances to race with a larger group prior to running with more than 35,000 of our closest friends on May 7.

When we trained for the Mill Race Half Marathon last year my main goal was to run the miles, get to the start line injury free, and finish strong. With the counseling of former Greenwood High School Track Coach Tad Frahm, Center Grove Cross Country Coach Howard Harrell, and Coach Jenny Hadfield, I devised a training plan which added speed workouts and hill repeats.

We don’t have a time goal for the Mini-Marathon this year. We plan to use this training cycle, the Miler Series, and the Indy Mini to develop a solid plan to break two hours or even faster when we race at the Mill Race Half Marathon again in September.

Ryan has gained valuable support and encouragement throughout the running community in Central Indiana. When we run races, go to fun runs at local running stores, or we’re forced indoors to run at the Mount Pleasant Church gym, people are constantly complimenting him on his form and determination.

As evidence of Ryan’s fortitude, he has cut five minutes off his 5k time since last May from 27:54 to 22:52 in a race on New Year’s Day.

Ryan’s remarkable running journey will add a chapter by kissing the bricks at IMS and finishing our first Indy Mini this May. Oh yeah, and getting passed at some point by Meb Keflezighi.

That’s definitely something to make anyone’s first Indy Mini special!

My #IndyMini Story: Brett Braunecker

In 2014, I was the heaviest I had ever been. This was an extremely difficult time for me because I always considered myself a fitness enthusiast and took care of my health. The weight crept up over time, mostly because of stress, poor eating, and inactivity due to multiple knee surgeries. I was 75lbs overweight … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Brett Braunecker”

In 2014, I was the heaviest I had ever been. This was an extremely difficult time for me because I always considered myself a fitness enthusiast and took care of my health. The weight crept up over time, mostly because of stress, poor eating, and inactivity due to multiple knee surgeries. I was 75lbs overweight and desperate for a change, but I struggled to make a plan and stick with it.

The turning point for me came when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and she began the fight for her life. Watching her battle to maintain her health through chemotherapy treatments, I realized how horribly I was treating my own body. My mom’s tenacity was the motivation I needed to take control of my health and start making changes.

It seems silly to say now, but I never considered myself a “runner”. I was discouraged by knee surgeries and what I thought was lack of natural ability. But, when I changed my eating and exercise habits my confidence soared, so I decided to give running a try. Stepping out of my comfort zone paid off; by August 2014 I lost all of the extra weight that I was carrying around.

My mom gave me more than just the purpose to begin my weight loss journey. She was my biggest supporter, and was behind me from the start. Watching her strength and perseverance through illness inspired me to push beyond my limits and accomplish my goals.

In 2015, I made a goal to run my first half marathon. I decided to run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in honor of my mom. Unfortunately, my mom passed away in February of that year, so she was not there to meet me at the end, but I was not alone. In an emotional moment, my wife, kids, and friends surprised me at the finish line cheering with cowbells and wearing custom t-shirts.

My mom’s legacy is the reason I run the #IndyMini , and this year my brother is coming in from Missouri to run in honor of her too. My goal is to finish the Indy Mini in under 1:50:00 to achieve a personal best. I want to give my best for my mom who never gave me any less!

My #IndyMini Story: Mary Ann and Dan Davis

Running a half marathon race requires runners to push themselves, often in ways they never imagined. Dan Davis not only pushes himself to run the distance, but he also pushes his mother Mary Ann along with him. Dan and Mary Ann’s #WhyIMini story is one about a son’s untiring love for his mother and the … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Mary Ann and Dan Davis”

Running a half marathon race requires runners to push themselves, often in ways they never imagined. Dan Davis not only pushes himself to run the distance, but he also pushes his mother Mary Ann along with him. Dan and Mary Ann’s #WhyIMini story is one about a son’s untiring love for his mother and the possibilities of pursuing one’s dreams no matter how impossible they seem.

It all began 3 years ago when Dan asked his mother to run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon with him. Mary Ann knew that her son had an indescribable passion for running in the Indy Mini, and she desperately wanted to be a part of the experience. However, this seemed impossible to Mary Ann whose health prevented her from walking most distances, let alone running a half marathon.

Dan did not let his mother’s health circumstances keep him from getting her to race with him. Instead, he came up with a plan to help her keep the pace. He spent countless hours in his garage modifying a double stroller to create a vehicle in which his mother could comfortably sit while he pushed her through the race. He also wanted to make sure that his mother rode in style, so he painted the vehicle in her favorite shade of pink, and he fashioned the seat with checkered flag print fabric.

When race day came, Mary Ann was full of joy and pride for what her son had done for her, but she did not expect the reactions that she and Dan received from other race participants. She was taken aback by the support of other runners and walkers as they cheered her son on with applause and words of encouragement. She smiled the whole way through the race, raising her arms, clenching her fists and shaking them in delight.

Feeling uplifted by the other runners and walkers in the Mini-Marathon, Dan ran faster in his final mile than he did in the first. When the finish was in sight, Dan stopped running unexpectedly. He walked to the front of his mother’s cart and helped her stand. With her son’s support, Mary Ann crossed the finish line and completed the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon with an impressive time of 1:46. She beamed as she rang the PR bell.

Dan and Mary Ann have already registered for the 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, so make sure to show support when you see them on May 7!

My #IndyMini Story: Brandi Wolf

For the past 25 years, the Indy Mini has been one of the largest half marathons in the country. It’s certainly Indianapolis’ premier road race and has topped multiple “Best Of” lists for more than two decades.
I have run the Mini three times (2011, 2012 and 2013) and had the great honor of volunteering at a finish line water station last year. This year I am thrilled to be running it again, having signed up for the Mega Mini Challenge less than a week after the 2015 race. My Mini training program started Monday. As the wind chill dipped below zero more mornings than not this week, and I forced myself out from under my flannel sheets in the wee hours of the morning, I asked myself “Why DO I keep coming back to this race each year?”

For Perspective. The 2011 Mini was my first half marathon. That Mini‬ was supposed to be a “one and done” thing so I could cross half marathon off my 30-Crisis Bucket List … but that was 5 years ago. Since then, I have completed 13 half marathons and numerous shorter distance races. Not bad for a girl who had never run in an organized event of any kind until about 9 months before that first half.
Sometimes, I look back on those first finish line pictures and wonder how that girl, who used to roll her eyes at anyone who muttered the words “exercise” and “run” in the same sentence, managed to even cross the finish line. Let alone stand up, walk or smile when it was over. For me, this race signifies growth and perseverance.

For Family. Not to be outdone (especially after I spent several months talking about my next Mini Marathon adventure), I convinced my brother to sign up too! Being able to share in his first half marathon was pretty awesome. Though we’re 2 hours apart, I’ve been fortunate to run 4 half marathons with him while our parents cheer us on from the start/finish lines! (When I say “run with him” I mean we started in the same corral and he patiently waited for me to finish 15-20 minutes later.)

For Friendships. I trained for my first Mini on my own, but when I decided to continue running, I knew I wanted (no, needed) to join a training group because I knew there was SO MUCH I didn’t know about nutrition, cross training, injury prevention and gear. What I didn’t know is how much the accountability would change my once-sporadic training schedule … and how irreplaceably important the friendships formed with the girls in that training group would become.
Even last year, when I wasn’t sure my schedule would allow me to run, I knew I still wanted to be involved. When presented with the opportunity to volunteer at an aid station, I jumped at the chance!
So whether it’s your 1st or your 40th … whether you’re walking or running … Don’t let the #IndyMini pass you by!

My #IndyMini Story: To Win Dinner with Meb Keflezighi

U.S. Olympian and Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi will be running the 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb is the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. Beyond his athletic achievements, Meb is passionate … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: To Win Dinner with Meb Keflezighi”

U.S. Olympian and Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi will be running the 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon!

Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb is the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. Beyond his athletic achievements, Meb is passionate about inspiring individuals of all ages and athletic abilities to achieve their personal best. With that commitment in mind, the record setting runner will not start at the front of the Indy Mini with the other elite athletes. Instead, Meb will serve as the official starter for Wave 1 and Wave 2, then he will start his race at the very back of the Mini-Marathon, to ensure all participants in the 2016 Indy Mini have the opportunity to run or walk with him.

To celebrate Meb’s participation, any Mini-Marathon participants who have registered before January 31 will be entered to win a VIP dinner with Meb Keflezighi and other elite athletes on Friday, May 6^th.

Official Contest Rules and Eligibility

Participants must be registered by 11:59pm ET on January 31 for one of the following events:

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
Mini Maniac Challenge
Mega Mini Challenge

Must be 18 years or older.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday, February 3. An email will be sent to the email address used for registration. The selected winner will be required to reply within 72 hours to accept the prize. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, they forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen.

Dinner with Meb is non-transferrable. If the selected participant is unable to attend, another name will be drawn.

My #IndyMini Story: Rebecka Howard

Walter Payton once said, “Running alone is the toughest. You get to a point where you have to keep pushing yourself.” For Mini Ambassador, Rebecka Howard, she’s not only pushing herself, but also Stephen. Her #IndyMini story is about serving others and running for those who can’t. Rebecka and Stephen met 8 years ago at … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Rebecka Howard”

Rebecka and Stephen met 8 years ago at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Stephen was volunteering with Special Olympics at the finish line and handed water to Rebecka. His infectious smile made a lasting impression, and she made a point to seek him out the following years. In 2013, with the anticipation of seeing Stephen, Rebecka crossed the finish line to find he wasn’t there. Stephen’s grandfather passed away a couple days before the Mini-Marathon. Feeling led to attend the funeral, Rebecka reached out to Stephen’s family and a friendship was formed.

Stephen had always wanted to participate in the Mini-Marathon. His mom and Rebecka knew they could make it happen. Following the funeral, they committed to pushing Stephen in the 2014 Mini-Marathon in memory of his grandfather.

Rebecka has spent her life helping others. As a Director for an Agency serving individuals with disabilities, her passion is to bring awareness and inclusion for all. She’s always admired Eunice Kennedy, the Founder of Special Olympics. Eunice encouraged individuals to get off the sidelines and get involved. That’s exactly what Rebecka did for Stephen!

In 2014 Rebecka and Stephen lined up for their first Mini-Marathon together. He enjoyed every minute. He cheered on participants, gave high fives, and yelled, “I’ve got this!” along the entire course. Two hours later they crossed the finish line. It was at that point, she realized that she hadn’t pushed him. He had pulled her! She provided him the opportunity to experience the Mini-Marathon as a participant, and he gave her a memory she will never forget.

Following the Mini-Marathon, they were introduced to Ainsley’s Angels. Through their Power to Push Program, they were able to raise $6,000 to build Stephen a custom made Team Hoyt Racing Chair. In 2015 Rebecka and Stephen lined up once again for the Mini-Marathon with a new chair, complete with a picture of Stephen’s grandfather on the side and signatures of all their supporters.

When asked about her experience pushing Stephen, Rebecka says, “Words cannot express how it’s changed my outlook on fitness. What was once out of selfish ambition is now about helping others. Finish times, keeping pace, and beating personal records have all been long forgotten!”

Keep your eye out for this dynamic duo at the 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Stephen will be pulling Rebecka to the finish of the 40^th Mini-Marathon!

What inspires you to participate in the 2016 Indy Mini? Share your story in the comments below or on our website, and you could be our next My#IndyMini story!