Events Announced for 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces that registration has opened for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon – the greatest spectacle in running. Set for Saturday, May 6, the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will mark the race’s 41st running.

One of the nation’s largest half-marathons, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the 500 Festival’s largest fundraiser. Race registrations help support the 500 Festival’s free youth programs and events.Pricing is as follows:

• October 16, 2016 - February 15, 2017: $75

• February 16 - May 1, 2017: $85

• May 5 – 6, 2017: $95

On Thursday, September 15, to celebrate the opening of registration for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the community is asked to wear their favorite #IndyMini gear – from shirts, to hats, to jackets. The 500 Festival’s street team will be out in the community and if you’re spotted in your OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon attire, you’ll win a prize. You can also share a photo of yourself wearing your Mini-Marathon gear on social media and use the hashtag #IndyMini for a chance to win online.

In addition, on September 15, you can register over your lunch hour and save. Register in person at the 500 Festival office in downtown Indianapolis (21 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204) from 11 am – 1 pm to save $5 off OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K registrations. As an added bonus, the processing fee will be waived for all in person registrations.

“As one of the nation’s largest half-marathons, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has earned its reputation as the Greatest Spectacle in Running. The event showcases Indianapolis’ ability to host a world class sporting event while helping fuel the 500 Festival’s free programs and events for Indiana youth,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO, 500 Festival. “Whether you’re running, walking or both, there’s never been a better year to participate in the Indy Mini! The course is flat and fast and our 18 minute / mile time limit makes the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon popular with runners and walkers alike. We’ve made some exciting additions and enhancements for 2017 and the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon promises to provide a thrilling, unique experience for participants.”

“There's nothing quite like the electricity and excitement of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon," said Jim Freeman, OneAmerica vice president of community affairs. "The event has grown to become an integral part of our community's cultural fabric and we're proud to support the 500 Festival - as title sponsor of this event and also through the hundreds of OneAmerica associates who volunteer their time. We're looking forward to an exciting race." 

Pacesetter Challenge: IndyCar driver and fan favorite, Tony Kanaan, will serve as the official Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Kanaan was a participant in the 2016 Mini-Marathon, finishing in 1:43:29. The 500 Festival will add 5 minutes for every position higher than 10th that Kanaan finishes the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series. Currently ranked #6 in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series Championship Points Standings, the series culminates its championship this weekend at Sonoma Raceway with the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma. The official Pacesetter time to beat will be announced after this weekend’s race. For each 2017 Mini-Marathon participant who finishes faster than the official time, the 500 Festival will donate $1 to a charity, voted on by the participants.    

Additional options for participation in 2017 include: 

Mega Mini Challenge: Participants will tackle both the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on race morning. Participants who register for the challenge will receive a commemorative shirt and medal as well as shirts and medals for the Mini-Marathon and 5K. Registration starts at $120.

Mini Maniac Challenge: Participants will take on all 32.1 miles of the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy in February, March and April and the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Mini Maniac participants will receive a commemorative shirt and medal in addition to the shirts and medals for the Miler Series and Mini-Marathon. Registration for the Mini Maniac Challenge starts at $125.  

Finish Line 500 Festival 5K: 2016 marked a sellout for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K. Finish Line 500 Festival 5K participants will hit the streets of Downtown Indianapolis prior to the start of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Participants in the 5K will run or walk 3.1 miles and will have the same exciting start line and finish line experience as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Registration for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K starts at $35.  

VIP Experience: Indy Mini participants can upgrade their registration with a VIP experience. Pricing for the VIP experience is $100 and a limited number of upgrades are available, while supplies last. VIP participants will receive: 

• Expedited VIP packet pick up at the Mini-Marathon Expo

• Race day VIP parking 

• Private gear check on race morning

• Exclusive VIP Post Race Party celebration including food, beverages, massages 

• Private VIP restrooms 

• An Indy Mini half-zip jacket

The course for the Mini-Marathon is flat and fast and appeals to runners and walkers alike. It begins near the intersection of Washington and West Streets in downtown Indianapolis, heads west toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and includes a lap around the famed 2.5 mile track before heading back downtown to the finish line at Military Park. 

2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Race Weekend Events

Thursday, May 4

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo
Indiana Convention Center
4 – 8 p.m.

Friday, May 5

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo
Indiana Convention Center
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 6

Finish Line 500 Festival 5K
Downtown Indianapolis
7:00 a.m.

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
Downtown Indianapolis
7:30 a.m.

500 Festival Post Race Party
Military Park
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, Franciscan St. Francis Health and Meijer. The Mini-Marathon will be broadcast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13. To register for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, or to learn more, visit www.indymini.com or search #IndyMini on social media. 

About the 500 Festival: Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $400 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.