INDIANAPOLIS (March 4, 2026) – After a successful first year, the 500 Festival and Indiana Sports Corp will once again host the USA Track & Field 5 KM Championships during the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K on May 2, 2026. This marks the second year Indianapolis has been selected to stage the national championship, welcoming the sport’s top athletes back to Indy Mini Weekend. To be considered, Elite Athletes must submit their application by clicking here. 

Event Information 

The Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K will kick off before the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2. Over 5,500 participants are expected to hit the streets of downtown Indianapolis, tackling the fast and flat 3.1-mile course. Participants can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere, complete with live entertainment and enthusiastic volunteers cheering them on at every turn.  

“The return of the USA Track & Field 5 KM Championships in 2026 marks an exciting step forward for the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K,” said Dave Neff, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We’re focused on continuing to elevate the event, attract top talent, and give runners and spectators alike an unforgettable Indy Mini Weekend.” 

“Bringing the USATF 5KM Championships back to Indianapolis is a tremendous opportunity,” said Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty. “Together with USA Track & Field and the 500 Festival, we’re proud to build on our tradition of hosting elite competition and to welcome the nation’s best athletes to a city that knows how to stage championship moments.” 

The USATF 5 KM Championships are a major stop on the USATF Running Circuit – a series of road races from one mile to the marathon distance that offers American distance runners competitive opportunities and upwards of $500,000 in total prize money. With a mission to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners since its inception in 1995, the USATF Running Circuit consistently attracts the country’s finest and fastest on the road. This race will also serve as the selection event for the World Athletics Road Running Championships, set for September 20, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark.  

Awards & Prize Money 

USATF Championship medals, Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K medals, and USATF Running Circuit points will be awarded to the top 10 men’s and women’s finishers. Prize money will be distributed as follows for each gender division: 

• 1st place: $7,000 

• 2nd place: $6,000 

• 3rd place: $3,500 

• 4th place: $2,000 

• 5th place: $1,000 

• 6th place: $900 

• 7th place: $700 

• 8th place: $600 

• 9th place: $500 

• 10th place: $300  

The total prize purse per division will be $22,500. 

 “USA Track & Field calls Indianapolis home. So, it’s special when we can work with our friends at the 500 Festival and Indiana Sports Corp to bring a national championship here,” said Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field. “Indy Mini Weekend is a world-class event and an excellent opportunity to showcase our hometown to America’s top distance runners as well as the broader running community.” 

To be considered, Elite Athletes must submit their application by clicking here. For Elite Athlete questions, please contact elite@500festival.com. 

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.    

For more information on Indy Mini Weekend and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K or the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, please visit the host event page, IndyMini.com or email info@500festival.com.