The 38th Running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon takes place on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The Mini-Marathon is the largest half-marathon in the U.S., and overall, the fourth largest half marathon in the world. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal and technical shirt, a participant hat provided by OneAmerica, complimentary qualification or practice day ticket from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway^® and post-race refreshments and entertainment.

New this year at the Mini-Marathon

• The Mini-Marathon will institute a wave start for the 2014 race, creating a more efficient and enjoyable running and walking experience for participants. A wave start breaks up the start line for participants into five separate groups, with five corresponding starts and entertainment acts. Click here for more information on start times including a map.
• The 500 Festival is offering a free app for runners and spectators. The app, called Indy Mini, offers access to important event details, RUNNER TRACKING, live results, news, social media and more. The App is available for download in the Apple Store by searching “Indy Mini” and Google Play for Android devices by searching “500 Festival Mini-Marathon.”
• Register Early for the 2015 Mini and Save! Don't miss your chance to register for the 39th Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2015 from May 1 thru May 5, 2014 at the special $55 rate! You can register for the 2015 race at the Mini-Marathon Expo, at the information tent located in the 500 Festival Post Race Party or online at IndyMini.com. Registration for the 2015 Mini-Marathon will be moved to a tiered pricing structure. Those who register for the 2015 race during this year's Mini-Marathon weekend will lock in at the $55 rate. Registration will then close, and re-open in September with registration priced at $75.
• Earlier this year, the 500 Festival created a new health and fitness program targeting Hoosier 5^th and 6^th graders. Modeled from the successful and award winning 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program, the 13-week 500 Festival KidsFit Program is aligned with the Indiana Department of Education’s Indiana State Academic Standards for Health and Physical Education. Participants will complete 12 weekly activities including running one mile each week leading up to the Mini-Marathon, when a select number of participants will finish their final 1.1 mile along the Mini-Marathon course.
• This year's Mini-Marathon and 5K participant shirts are gender-specific, moisture-wicking, high tech shirts. There will be a t-shirt exchange located within the Expo with a limited number of each size to ensure the perfect fit.

Other items of note:

• OneAmerica has renewed a multi-year partnership with the organization including title sponsorship of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon through 2019. The 2014 race marks OneAmerica’s 10^th year as the title sponsor. In addition, more than 600 OneAmerica employees volunteer each year for the Mini-Marathon from managing packet pick-up to helping set up the Post Race Party to passing out water at the Finish Line.

• For the second year, a QR code has been added to each runner’s bib. Participants can scan this code with a smart phone to receive their Official Race Results.
• Earlier this year, the 500 Festival hosted an online entertainment contest that encouraged participants and the general public to nominate and vote for their favorite local band to play on the Verizon Stage in Military Park at the Post Race Party. The winners are as follows: Heather Michele Chapman will play from 8 – 11:30 a.m. and The Flying Toasters will play from 11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

• The 500 Festival has partnered with 39 Downtown restaurants to welcome Mini-Marathon and 5K participants. Some restaurants will offer carb-loaded menus the night before the race.

Weekend schedule:

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo, Indiana Convention Center (Halls F & G), 100 S. Capitol Ave. 4-8 p.m. This event is free and is open to the public.

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo, Indiana Convention Center (Halls F & G), 100 S. Capitol Ave 10 a.m.-9 p.m. This event is free and is open to the public.

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014

7:00 a.m.: 500 Festival KidsFit Start

7:15 a.m.: 5K Start

7:45 a.m.: Mini-Marathon Wheelchair Start

7:48 a.m.: Mini-Marathon Wave 1 Start

8:00 a.m.: Mini-Marathon Wave 2 Start

8:15 a.m.: Mini-Marathon Wave 3 Start

8:30 a.m.: Mini-Marathon Wave 4 Start

8:45 a.m.: Mini-Marathon Wave 5 Start

7 a.m. – 3 p.m.: 500 Festival Post Race Party in Military park. This event is free and open to the public

Safety policies

In order to maximize public safety during the 2014 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K, the Post Race Party will be completely contained using fencing, allowing the public to enter and exit using designated checkpoints. This model will not only improve the safety of the event, but will increase ease of participation for event-goers by opening up previously contained areas in Military Park such as the Beer Garden. 

For your safety and the safety of others, the following are prohibited inside the 500 Festival Post Race Party: No weapons, no coolers, no pets (other than service animals), no bicycles, motorized or gear-driven vehicles, skateboards, roller skates or in-line skates.

In addition, the following enhanced security measures will be implemented to create the safest environment possible for the public, volunteers and participants of the Mini-Marathon and 5K:

• Participants are asked not to bring or wear backpacks or duffle bags to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Please be aware that all bags and backpacks will be subject to search by security personnel.
• Backpacks or duffle bags will not be accepted at the UPS Gear Check stations. Only the white Finish Line/BlueMile goodie bag which will be distributed to participants at packet pickup will be accepted at the UPS Gear Check stations.
• Do not leave bags, backpacks or items left unattended. Any bags or items left unattended will be removed by security personnel.
• Event attendees are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information to the nearest event security personnel by:

See Something, Say Something

For Critical and timely information, please follow: @IFD_NEWS or @IMPD_NEWS or @DHSIndianapolis on Twitter or IFDNEWS or IMPD_NEWS on Instagram. If you see something suspicious, please text information to INDYCS (274627)                                   

Important Links:

• Click here to download maps including the Mini-Marathon and 5K routes, street closings and Start Line. 
• Click here to download the Mini-Marathon Participant Guide which includes race day information, gear check, pit areas, race regulations, race records and more!
• Click here for participant parking information, including what garages are open on Mini-Marathon morning and travel tips.

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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 57 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce 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.

The mission of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is to conduct a world-class running event and leverage its success for furthering the mission of the 500 Festival and promoting health and fitness.