On the heels of completing his final Marathon, America’s Best Long Distance Runner Announces His Participation in the Indy Mini Half Marathon

 

INDIANAPOLIS (November 6, 2017) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces world-renowned runner Meb Keflezighi will run the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 5, 2018.

The announcement comes one day after Keflezighi’s anticipated retirement following his final competitive marathon in the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 5. Regarded as one of the greatest runners of our time and the most influential person in running, Keflezighi is best known for his silver medal in the 2004 Olympics (marathon), as well as victories in the 2009 TCS New York City Marathon and the 2014 Boston Marathon. He’s the only runner to win both U.S. races and an Olympic medal in the marathon distance.

“The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a very unique and special race for me,” said Keflezighi. “I’ve never seen another race where the participants, the cheering sections, and the volunteers encourage each other quite like the Indy Mini. It’s an expression of the city of Indianapolis and the kind of people here. It’s become a special event for me and I can’t wait to come back and run it.”

In 2016, Keflezighi ran the Indy Mini in a unique fashion, starting at the back of the pack and passing 15,346 runners throughout the morning. Some heard encouraging words and others grabbed photos with the running icon as he ran by.

In 2017, Keflezighi ran the Boston Marathon on April 22, just two weeks prior to the Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis. He joined the Indy Mini out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, not to run it, but to high five and encourage participants in an on-course segment fittingly named “Meb’s Motivational Mile.”

In 2018, the face of the Mini in recent years will finally run The Greatest Spectacle in Running in traditional fashion.

Indy Mini participants can meet Keflezighi at the 2018 Mini-Marathon Expo, scheduled for Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4. More details about Keflezighi’s availability at the Expo will be announced closer to the event.

“We’re excited to have Meb back again for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “While his appearance in New York signaled an end to his landmark career in the full marathon, the half marathon is a great distance for him to compete. Having Meb here in Indy is a testament to his congenial and positive attitude as well as to the significance that our Hoosier-born running event has in the global running community.  We encourage people to run this one with Meb”

 

About the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

One of the nation’s largest half marathons, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the 500 Festival’s largest fundraiser. Race registrations help support the 500 Festival’s free youth programs and events. 2018 will mark the 42^nd running of the race.

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a flat, fast course perfect for runners and walkers alike. It starts in downtown Indianapolis and travels west for a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the home of the Indy 500, before returning to the city for the finish.

With more than 15 aid stations, nearly 100 entertainment groups and thousands of volunteers and cheering spectators lining the course, there’s nothing like the heart pounding excitement of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The start and finish lines are within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, shopping, and the Post Race Party following the race in downtown Indy’s Military Park is the perfect way to celebrate the accomplishment of participants.

Now through December 31, the Mini-Marathon registration fee is $72. Pricing will continue to increase throughout the spring.

Date                             Price

Nov. 1 – Dec. 31                         $72

Jan. 1 – Feb. 28                          $79

Mar. 1 – May 1                           $89

Expo                                     $100

 

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Participants Receive:

• Commemorative Finisher Medal and ribbon, courtesy of OneAmerica
• Commemorative long-sleeve technical shirt
• Commemorative hat, courtesy of OneAmerica
• Personalized bib (must be registered by March 28, 2018)
• Chronotrack Bib Timing Device with live runner tracking option for friends and family
• Free Gatorade Endurance Formula on course
• Free on course Clif SHOT Energy
• Free post race fruit and granola bars
• Free post race cookies provided by Franciscan Health
• Free post race Aquafina bottled water
• Free post race Dole 100% Juice Fruit Bowl and Rold Gold pretzels
• One complimentary beer provided by Michelob ULTRA (must be 21 or older)
• Unique offer from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Virtual Goodie Bag
• Unique “First 500” medal to the first 500 finishers

 

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, 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, follow the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook page, 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 that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster 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 $400 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

 

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