INDIANAPOLIS – The 500 Festival announces that registration is open for the 500 Festival KidsFit Program for the 2023-2024 school year. In its 10th year, this free and customizable program is available to Indiana schools and groups grades K-6 and teaches youth how to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle through a mix of running and walking in-class lessons and activities. The program meets the Indiana Department of Education’s Indiana State Academic Standards for Health and Physical Education. 

Students will complete lessons centered around the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 and will run or walk a mile each week using the “Start Your Engines” training plan. By the end of the program, students will complete a total of 13.1 miles – the equivalent distance of a half marathon. KidsFit participants are invited to accomplish their final 3.1 miles in their own wave at the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, which occurs on May 4, 2024, the same morning as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in downtown Indianapolis. Students will

receive a discounted entry, T-shirt, finisher medal, a trip through runner services, and an experience they’ll never forget!  

Students can alternatively experience a KidsFit Mobile run, which brings the excitement of a running event directly to their school. Mobile runs are offered free of charge and the 500 Festival provides all resources including start line, finish line, and race décor. 

“The 500 Festival KidsFit Program engages students in a unique way and helps them run after the importance of fitness,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We hope to instill a love of fitness and a sense of accomplishment in students, encouraging them to grow and challenge themselves to reach their goals.” 

Interested teachers and group organizers should register their school or group at IndyMini.com/KidsFit. Support of the 500 Festival KidsFit Program is provided by: Elevance Health Foundation, Energy Harness, Delta Dental Foundation, and the 500 Festival Foundation.  

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 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, Twitter, and Instagram.  

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