$4,040 Donated to Pacesetter Program winner, Energy Krazed

INDIANAPOLIS (July 20, 2017) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announced that the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon helped contribute more than $35,000 to various nonprofit organizations through its Mini with a Meaning Program.

“As one of the nation’s largest half marathons, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon helps fuel the 500 Festival’s free programs and events that benefit Indiana youth, as well as nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to enrich lives and foster positive impact for our community and state,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO, 500 Festival. “We’re proud of what the Mini with a Meaning Program has accomplished in its first three years. We’re even more proud of the work that these deserving nonprofits do within our community. We’re looking forward to a successful 2018 race and we invite other charities to join us for the 42^nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.”

Launched in 2015, the Mini with a Meaning Program provides nonprofit organizations with a unique opportunity to raise funds and awareness. Participating charities recruit team members to participate in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and/or Finish Line 500 Festival 5K on their behalf, committing to raise money for the organization. In 2017, 10 different nonprofit organizations participated in the Mini with a Meaning Program, including:

• Alzheimer’s Association
• American Brain Tumor Association
• Back on My Feet
• Energy Krazed
• Freedom 4/24
• Indiana Lyme Connect
• Jonnie’s Goodguys
• Make-A-Wish
• National Stroke Association
• Riley Children’s Foundation

In addition, nonprofit organizations participating in the 2017 Mini with a Meaning Program had the opportunity to raise money through the 500 Festival’s Pacesetter Challenge. IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan served as the official Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

In 2016, Tony left the car in the garage and took Indianapolis by foot in the Indy Mini. He finished the 13.1-mile course in just 1:43:29. For each 2017 Mini-Marathon participant who finished faster than the Tony’s time, the 500 Festival donated $1 to Mini with a Meaning charities, voted on by the participants. Because Tony’s time was so fast, the 500 Festival increased the time an additional 15 minutes, making 1:58:29 the official time to beat. An impressive 4,040 individuals finished ahead of Tony’s time and $4,040 was donated to the winning charity; Energy Krazed.

“We are thrilled to be the winner of this year’s Pacesetter Program,” said Peggy Johnson, president of Energy Krazed. “I have personally run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon over the past 20 years before we even had electronic timing, and to have our nonprofit included in this personal tradition means a great deal to me. We look forward to our continued partnership with the 500 Festival and encourage everyone to participate in their extraordinary events.”

The 500 Festival presented Energy Krazed with the winning check on Wednesday, July 19 at the 500 Festival offices. To download a photo of the check presentation, click here.

Energy Krazed is a nonprofit organization developing fun, relevant, educational, and interactive programs that empower youth to take charge of their minds, bodies, and ultimately their futures. The Energy Krazed approach is flexible, person-centered, evidence-based, and collaborative. The programs increase the quality of life of young Hoosiers by teaching the importance of nutrition, physical and mental health, and mindfulness through a collaboration of students, parents, healthcare professionals, educators, and the community.

“This massive community event fits perfectly with our mission of creating a happier, healthier Indiana youth,” added Alyssa Kennedy, Director of Operations for Energy Krazed. “It is much more than a race; it’s an iconic part of creating public enthusiasm in our city and personal triumphs – especially for me since I finished my first 13.1-mile race this year with the Energy Krazed Mini with a Meaning team.“

All OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K registrations help support the 500 Festival’s free educational and youth fitness programming and events. By participating in the Mini with a Meaning program, runners and walkers have the ability to make an impact in multiple ways within the Indianapolis community. The 500 Festival is committed to partnering with nonprofit organizations within the community. The 500 Festival provides the following benefits to nonprofit organizations participating in Mini with a Meaning:

• Discounted entries on OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Finish Line 500 Festival 5K, 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy
• Registration rewards based on group size
• Complimentary group packet pickup
• Organization featured on 500 Festival website
• Dedicated social media posts

Nonprofit organizations interested in participating in the 2018 Mini with A Meaning Program should visit IndyMini.com or email bpawelak@500festival.com.

Registration for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will open in September. The 42^nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2018. One of the nation’s premier half marathons, the Indy Mini is the 500 Festival’s largest fundraiser.

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.

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, Franciscan Health and Meijer. The Mini-Marathon will be broadcast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13. To learn more about the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, 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 that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster 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, Instagram, or on Facebook.