INDIANAPOLIS (November 15,  2012) – The early bird registration deadline is approaching for the 2013 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K. Early registration entries will be accepted through November 30, 2012. The races are scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Registration is available through www.500festival.com.

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

The $60 early registration for the Mini-Marathon, the nation’s largest half marathon, is set to expire on November 30. Starting Dec. 1, 2012 through the event selling out, registration will revert back to the regular price of $75. Registration will close when the maximum field of 35,000 participants is reached. The race has sold out the past 11 years. The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, Franciscan St. Francis Health and Marsh.

Finish Line 500 Festival 5K

The early registration fee for the 2013 Finish Line 500 Festival 5K is $35 through November 30, 2012 or $40 starting on Dec. 1, 2012 through the event selling out. Registration will close on the date the maximum field of 4,000 is reached. Participants of the 5K receive many of the same benefits as those who run the Mini-Marathon including a participant t-shirt and medal, water stations and entertainment along the course and entrance to the Post Race Party.

2013 500 Festival Training Series, presented by OrthoIndy

The 500 Festival Training Series, presented by OrthoIndy is the only official training program for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, allowing participants to run on part of the actual Mini-Marathon course and to use a Bib Timing Device. The official Training Series, combined of three events, is designed to allow participants the opportunity to gauge their progress in preparation for the Mini-Marathon. The three events gradually increase in distance to coincide with a typical training program’s schedule. Training Series dates for 2013 are: February 9 (5K); March 9 (10K) and April 6 (15K). All Training Series events start and finish at the NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis. You do not have to be registered for the Mini-Marathon to participate in the Training Series; the races are open to the public. Participants may register online at www.500festival.com.

The mission of the 500 Festival is to advocate and celebrate the spirit, heritage and legacy of the Indianapolis 500^®. Through social, cultural and educational events and programs, the 500 Festival enhances the quality of life for all citizens of our communities.

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 56 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.

Last year, more than 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in nearly 50 events and programs throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini-Marathon, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they were there celebrating the legacy.

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