500 Festival Designs 2018 Indy Mini Medal in the Shape of a Milk Bottle

INDIANAPOLIS (November 21, 2017) – – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today reveals the design of the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon medal.

The 2018 medal symbolizes a time-honored tradition and staple of victory at the Indianapolis 500 that dates back to 1936 – a milk bottle.

In 1936, Louis Meyer won the Indianapolis 500 and cooled off in Victory Circle with a unique drink of choice; a bottle of fresh buttermilk. The tradition caught fire and became an annual part of the Victory Circle celebration.

In 2018, all OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon finishers will earn a keepsake that pays homage to this unique tradition. Just like wearing the wreath and kissing the bricks, drinking the bottle of milk in Victory Circle is one of the most iconic moments in all of sports.

Regardless of speed or ability, conquering 13.1 miles is a victory in itself, and there’s no better way to celebrate a May victory in Indianapolis than with a bottle of milk.

“The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is an iconic tradition that connects our community with the Indianapolis 500,” said J. Scott Davison, chairman, president and CEO of OneAmerica. “On May 5, 2018, tens of thousands of individuals will give their all at the 42^nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. It’s only fitting that this year’s finisher medal depicts one of the most coveted symbols of success in May – a bottle of milk. OneAmerica’s associates are proud to support this event and the many participants that make May so special within our community.”

This year’s medal is the first double-sided medal in the 42-year history of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. On the front, a raised silver medallion features the Borg-Warner Trophy and the date of the event; May 5, 2018.

The front of the medal also features the signature of Meb Keflezighi, arguably the greatest American distance runner of all time. After recently retiring from the marathon distance at the TCS New York City Marathon on November 5, Meb announced that he will be running in the 2018 Indy Mini half marathon. This is the first time that Meb has lent his signature to a medal for a running event and serves as a final keepsake from Meb’s three-year stint as part of the Indy Mini experience.

“I have run on the track and cheered on runners at the track,” said Keflezighi. “I am honored to have my signature on the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon medal and truly offer my best wishes to all participants. I’m looking forward to participating with everyone in 2018!”

Click here to read more about Meb Keflezighi’s return to the Indy Mini.  

On the back of the 2018 medal, a nutrition label features the unique Indy Mini participant facts, including the number of inches, feet, and steps in the Mini-Marathon. These facts pay tribute to the “ingredients” for victory, including the training, strength, and endurance that goes into every participant’s Indy Mini story.

Second only the Borg-Warner Trophy medal from 2016, the 2018 medal is the second largest medal in Indy Mini history. It stands 4.5 inches tall, 2 inches wide, and weighs 3.1 oz. The milk of the milk bottle is created by dropping the design in white enamel, while glass cases the top of the milk bottle and 500 Festival red highlights the lid and medallion.

“We’re ecstatic about the medal design for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Our team did an amazing job with the creativity and execution of pulling off such a unique idea. Not only is the design unique in color, size, weight, and appearance, but the meaning behind it is hard to really put into words. We hope it’s one people feel pride in receiving, just being a part of that iconic moment and this tradition.”

The images revealed are not the final medal design, but rather a prototype of the final medal. Details on the ribbon design as well as other medal features are still being finalized.

 

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
• 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 Indy Mini 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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