Teachers are responsible for so much more than just academics.  They also represent some of the most influential role models for young students.  This My #IndyMini Story is about a teacher who knows the importance of leading by example and how doing extraordinary things can inspire his students to do the same.

Reuben McCracken is a teacher who knows the value of reaching his students on multiple levels, and his commitment to his students inside and outside of the classroom is unsurpassed.  Between developing lesson plans, grading, meetings and various other teaching responsibilities, Reuben is often short on time. But, he still makes the time to share his passion for running with his students by coaching his school’s track and field team.

As a track and field coach, Reuben knows that his role is so much more than merely teaching his team to run. He also imparts knowledge that they can relate to other experiences in their lives. Reuben has gained patience, perseverance, humility, and goal setting through running and he has been able to translate these attributes to other aspects of his life as well. He wants his students to benefit in the same ways that he has from running.

“Running the Indy Mini allows my students to see, first-hand how devotion and steadfastness bring about positive characteristics,” said Reuben McCracken.

Running the Mini-Marathon is a goal that Reuben shares with his team and his students, and by seeing his goal to fruition he demonstrates to them that they can also achieve great things if they put their minds to it.  Being a good teacher and coach, Reuben is constantly aware of his potential to inspire his students, and by motivating his students he helps ensure that they will reach their potential.

Participating in a half-marathon requires commitment and hours of training.  Reuben’s hours of hard work and dedication are evidence of his selflessness and his desire to see his students accomplish amazing things. For Reuben, participating in the Mini Marathon is more about his students than himself.

“Sometimes the smallest achievement, such as completing a race for the first time, ends up being the biggest step in life,” said McCracken. “I want others to experience this first step to changing their life, be it running, pursuing a new career, or altering the path of intentions.”

Reuben has started his training for his 19^th half-marathon, the 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  It is not too late for you train to run or walk in this year’s Indy Mini too!  You can register to participate too, just click here!

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.