INDIANAPOLIS (February 23, 2026) – The 500 Festival is proud to announce that the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has been nominated for Best Half Marathon and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K has been nominated for Best 5K in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Voting begins today, February 23, and ends on Monday, March 23 at 11:59am EDT. You can cast your vote daily for both races.  

• Voting for the Mini-Marathon can be found HERE.   

• Voting for the 5K can be found HERE.  

The winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards will be announced on April 1 at noon. 

We’re honored to be nominated once again for Best Half Marathon in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, a title we’ve proudly won for the past three years. In its milestone 50th Running, the Mini-Marathon continues to honor its legacy and iconic traditions while looking ahead to the future, making this year’s nomination especially meaningful. The race draws participants from all 50 states and more than 15 countries and delivers an unforgettable experience for both seasoned athletes and first-time runners. Beginning and ending in downtown Indianapolis, the course features a 2.5-mile lap around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the iconic Yard of Bricks, along with 18 aid stations, more than 50 entertainment acts, and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers. 

The Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K brings the excitement of racing to life with elements that honor the spirit of Indianapolis. The event has previously earned recognition in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, winning Best 5K and also securing second-place in recent years. The fast, flat 3.1-mile course takes runners through the heart of downtown, offering a unique race experience and the perfect opportunity to hit fitness goals. Along the route, live entertainment and cheering spectators keep the momentum high, motivating thousands of participants to push toward the finish line and achieve that checkered flag finish. 

We’re grateful for the hundreds of community volunteers and partners who help make the Mini-Marathon and 5K unforgettable experiences. These events are not only our largest fundraisers but also support our free youth programs by enriching the lives of Indianapolis youth. Registration is open for this year’s races, which take place on May 2, 2026, at IndyMini.com/Register. 

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations. Learn more about USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards HERE. 

The Indy Mini weekend featuring the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K is sponsored by IU Health, Delta Dental, OneAmerica Financial, Meijer, Michelob ULTRA, PNC, and Chevy. The Mini-Marathon broadcast partner in the Indianapolis market is WTHR, Channel 13.