INDIANAPOLIS (February 24, 2025) – The 500 Festival is proud to announce that the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has been nominated for Best Half Marathon and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K has been nominated for Best 5K in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Voting begins today, February 24, and ends on Monday, March 24 at 11:59am EDT. You can cast your vote daily for both races.  

• Voting for the Mini-Marathon can be found HERE.  

• Voting for the 5K can be found HERE.  

The winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards will be announced on April 2 at noon. 

We’re honored to be nominated once again for Best Half Marathon in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, a title we’ve proudly won for the past two years as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. This year, we continue that tradition under our new title partnership as the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The race attracts participants from all 50 states and over 15 countries, becoming a must-attend event for runners and spectators alike. It delivers a thrilling experience for both seasoned athletes and first-time participants. The race starts and finishes in downtown Indianapolis, featuring a lap around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and an iconic moment as participants cross the Yard of Bricks. With a fast and flat course, 15 aid stations, over 50 entertainment acts, and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, the Mini-Marathon offers participants a one-of-a-kind race experience. 

The Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K brings the excitement of racing to life with elements that honor the spirit of Indianapolis. The fast, flat 3.1-mile course takes runners through the heart of downtown, offering a unique race experience and the perfect opportunity to hit fitness goals. Along the route, live entertainment and energetic cheer squads keep the momentum high, motivating thousands of participants to push toward the finish line and achieve their personal best. 

We’re so grateful for the hundreds of community volunteers and partners who help make the Mini-Marathon and 5K unforgettable experiences. These events are not only our largest fundraisers but also support our free youth programs, enriching the lives of Indianapolis youth. Registration is open for this year’s races, which take place on May 3, 2025, at IndyMini.com/Register. 

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations. Learn more about USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards HERE. 

The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by Indiana University Health, Delta Dental, Meijer, and OneAmerica Financial. The Mini-Marathon will be broadcast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13, the trusted leader in local news coverage for Indianapolis.