Peterson will complete 150 miles over three days across Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today announces that 500 Festival Running Ambassador and Special Olympic Athlete Andrew Peterson will run the 150 miles for the  Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners, across Indianapolis over three days.

Andrew Peterson is a Special Olympics Marathoner and 500 Festival Running Ambassador. Born with fetal alcohol syndrome, Andrew works to break running barriers while sharing lessons of inclusion and respect. When Andrew found out about a new virtual challenge to try, he knew he wanted to set a big goal for himself with it. While challengers have two months to complete their mileage, Andrew believes that completing the distance over three days would be an inspiring way to raise more awareness for the two nonprofits supported by the challenge: The 500 Festival and Gleaners.

Gleaners’ mission to provide nutrition to Hoosiers holds a special place in Andrew’s heart. As an infant, Andrew struggled with hunger and that experience with food insecurity affects him to this day. To minimize daily anxiety, he always needs to know where and when food will be available - even after 23 years of never going without.

“I’m excited to run 150 miles over three days to promote the Hoosier Holiday Challenge and raise money for Gleaners,” said Andrew Peterson. “I am so thankful for the support of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis running community as I complete this challenge. I encourage everyone to set their own goals to join me in their own way.”

Andrew will run for approximately 8 hours a day for three days across different sites in Indianapolis, including the Monon Trail, Cultural Trail, the Canal Walk, and Eagle Creek Park.

“It’s been incredible to have so many people embrace the 500 Festival’s virtual fitness initiatives during this challenging year,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Andrew is a beacon of hope, overcoming so much through running and using that to spread a message of inclusion and respect. We’re all cheering for Andrew as he completes his Hoosier Holiday Challenge in a unique and inspiring way.”

Friends of Andrew will join him for some of his miles, including individuals in the Indianapolis running community and members of the Indianapolis chapter of the November Project. Follow @500Festival and @NOLimitsAndrew on social media for updates, and learn more by visit indymini.com/andrews150.

The 500 Festival’s latest virtual fitness initiative is the Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners. Challenge participants will virtually complete the 150-mile distance from Indiana's Turkey Run State Park to the town of Santa Claus, Indiana from Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. The way you complete your mileage is up to you! You can log your miles from anywhere you'd like, at any pace you'd like, however you'd like - run, walk, bike, hike, wheel, ski, swim, and more. There are no maximum finish times, no minimum distances, and no required activity dates.

Registration is currently open at indymini.com/hhc until 11:59 pm ET on December 1. For $60, Hoosier Holiday Challenge participants receive holiday-themed swag, including a long-sleeved participant shirt, beanie, RTIC insulated mug, digital bib, and tons of online resources. Participants looking for more mileage and swag can register for the Round Trip Challenge, which costs $90 and includes an additional buff and quarter-zip jacket. Donations can be made to Gleaners here.

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. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 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.

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Media Contact: Maggie LaMar, 500 Festival
317.402.6887 | mlamar@500festival.com