INDIANAPOLIS (May 29, 2025) – The 500 Festival announces the return of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, presented by PNC Bank. These two virtual fitness challenges allow participants to continue celebrating the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 beyond the Month of May.  

Participants can stay active and complete a total of 500 miles of physical activity, the same mileage NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers complete in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Participants may also choose to complete 250 miles of physical activity by taking on the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge. Registration for both challenges is now open at IndyMini.com/500Miles. Registration will close on June 30. 

“PNC is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s 500 Festival Challenge events,” said Jason Eckerle, PNC regional president of central and southern Indiana. “Creating a call to action and overall awareness about health and wellness ties into PNC’s commitment to build a thriving and prosperous community across Indiana.”

New this year: Each challenge now offers participants the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by fundraising for a cause they care about. Starting this year, individuals can register their own fundraising team on behalf of a charity of their choice during the registration process. Funds raised will support a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the 500 Festival Foundation, which provides free education, health, and leadership development programs that impact the lives of 100,000 youth and families each year.  

Mile logging for the challenges will kick off on June 11 with a completion date of October 31. Participants may conquer this mileage by running, walking, wheeling, rolling, swimming, cycling, attending fitness classes, and engaging in various other activities. Mileage is logged on an online platform where participants can track their progress and see how they stack up to others.  

Registration for each challenge is $65 and all participants will receive:  

• Challenge-specific participant shirt, finisher medal, and hat 

• One-of-a-kind challenge sticker 

• Customizable and printable PDF challenge bib and finisher certificate  

• Virtual Badges 

• Invitation to a participant-only private Facebook group 

• The first 500 registered participants for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge will receive a one-of-a-kind First 500 shirt  

“The 500 Mile and 250 Mile Challenges are an exciting and unique way to extend the excitement of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 into the summer and early fall months,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “The Challenges have become a favorite of runners, walkers, and race fans eager to sustain their active lifestyles beyond the Month of May.” 

To register or learn more about the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge and Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, visit IndyMini.com/500Miles or search #IndyVirtualChallenge on social media.