500 Festival and Kanaan Team Up to Raise Money for Charities

INDIANAPOLIS (October 27, 2016) The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, and INDYCAR driver, Tony Kanaan, have teamed up to set the pace for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  

INDYCAR driver, and fan favorite, Tony Kanaan will serve as the official Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Kanaan was a participant in the 2016 Mini-Marathon, finishing in 1:43:29. The 500 Festival added 5 minutes for every position higher than 10th that Kanaan finished the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series. Kanaan ended the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series Championship Points Standings in seventh place, making 1:58:29 the official time to beat for the 2017 IndyMini. For each 2017 Mini-Marathon participant who finishes faster than the official time, the 500 Festival will donate $1 to a charity, voted on by the participants.    

"I'm honored to serve as the official Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. This race means so much to the community and to the 35,000 people who participate every year. Participating in a half marathon requires courage and dedication. I hope that my participation will inspire people to join the fun and participate in this year's race and that as many people as possible will take on the Pacesetter challenge and help raise money for these worthy charities."

Whether he's driving or running, Tony Kanaan is an avid athlete and competitor - and no stranger to speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kanaan is the 2013 Indianapolis 500 Winner, 2004 Verizon IndyCar Series Champion, and 17-time INDYCAR race winner. Off the track, Kanaan is a 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant and has also competed in the Rohto Ironman 70.3 Miami as well as the 2016 season of American Ninja Warrior.

“Tony accepted our challenge to participate in the 2016 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and to serve as this year’s Pacesetter with his trademark enthusiasm. His dedication to bettering the community, combined with his commitment to lead a healthy lifestyle make him the ideal Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO, 500 Festival. “We hope that Tony’s commitment sparks inspiration within the community and that they accept the challenge to join us for the 41^st running of the Mini-Marathon.” 

One of the nation’s premiere half-marathons, the Indy Mini is the 500 Festival’s largest fundraiser. Race registrations help support the 500 Festival’s free youth programs and events. In addition, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon helps other nonprofit organizations raise funds and awareness through the Mini with a Meaning Program. Participating charities recruit team members to participate in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and/or Finish Line 500 Festival 5K on their behalf, committing to raise money for the organization. In 2016, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon helped contribute more than $88,000 to various nonprofit organizations. 

The course for the Mini-Marathon is flat and fast and appeals to runners and walkers alike. It begins near the intersection of Washington and West Streets in downtown Indianapolis, heads west toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and includes a lap around the famed 2.5 mile track before heading back downtown to the finish line at Military Park.

Registration for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is open. Now through February 15, 2017 the Mini-Marathon registration fee is $75. Pricing after February 15 is as follows:

• February 16 - May 1, 2017: $85
• May 5 – 6, 2017: $95

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, Franciscan Health and Meijer. The Mini-Marathon will be broadcast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13. To register for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, or to learn more, visit www.indymini.com or search #IndyMini on social media.

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. 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 $400 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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