Applications now open for the Employee Wellness Challenge, Mini with a Meaning, and Badge Match Challenge 

INDIANAPOLIS (August 20, 2026) – The 500 Festival invites organizations to join the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on Saturday, May 8, to make their race day even more meaningful. Applications are now open for the Employee Wellness Challenge, Mini with a Meaning, and Badge Match Challenge. Interested organizations can apply at IndyMini.com. 

These unique opportunities allow organizations to connect with the community, honor their personal “why,” and add a layer of friendly competition to their Mini-Marathon experience. Race registration costs vary, starting at $75 for the challenges below. 

The Employee Wellness Challenge is a great way for businesses and organizations to promote health, camaraderie, and team spirit in the workplace. This challenge encourages coworkers to rally together and take on the Mini-Marathon as a team, supporting one another along the way. A traveling trophy is awarded to the winning team to proudly display in their workplace until the following year’s Mini-Marathon. It’s a fun and impactful way to invest in employee wellness while celebrating a major community tradition. Learn more and register here. 

The Badge Match Challenge is designed for badge-carrying public service members throughout Indiana. This challenge brings together teams of 4 to 7 from police, fire, EMS, military, and other public service agencies to compete against one another for the title of Badge Match Champion. A traveling trophy is awarded to the winning team to proudly display in their workplace until the following year’s Mini-Marathon. It’s a proud tradition that honors the commitment and service of our everyday heroes. Learn more and apply directly here. 

The Mini with a Meaning Challenge allows you to run for something greater than yourself. By supporting a nonprofit organization and raising awareness for a cause close to your heart, your race becomes more than just miles — it becomes a mission. Participants can fundraise for the cause of their choice throughout their training experience, and the organization that raises the most funds for their non-profit receives a complimentary booth at the Indy Mini Expo. Learn more and join the movement here.  

“These challenges are a great way to make a lasting impact in your community,” said Dave Neff, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “They provide opportunities to connect, challenge, and celebrate. Whether you’re racing for wellness, public service pride, or a personal cause, now is the perfect time to get involved.” 

Participants can also take on additional challenges at the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Mega Mini Challenge includes participation in both the Mini-Marathon and the 5K. The Mini Maniac Challenge includes the Miler Series and the Mini-Marathon. The Greatest Spectacle Challenge includes all three: the Miler Series, the 5K, and the Mini-Marathon. For more details or to register, click here.  

###

The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is presented by IU Health and made possible through support from Delta Dental, OneAmerica Financial, and Meijer. The Mini-Marathon broadcast partner in the Indianapolis market is WTHR, Channel 13. 

About 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 a 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 $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit 500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.  
 

About Indiana University Health | Named the “#1 Hospital in Indiana” by U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at iuhealth.org.