INDIANAPOLIS (October 30, 2018) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, and Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., today announced a new level in their partnership. Planet Fitness has been named the Official Health Club of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 500 Festival 5K and will continue as the presenting sponsor of the 500 Festival Post Race Party’s Running Club Village.

“Planet Fitness is excited to continue and add a new element of our partnership with the 500 Festival,” said Sarah Koning, vice president of operations, Planet Fitness. “Through our goal of providing a clean, safe, welcoming environment for those who strive to be fit, this partnership with the 500 Festival provides us the opportunity to serve those participating in such an iconic race – the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.”

Named one of “America’s Most Iconic Races” by Runners World, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is one of the nation’s largest half marathons (for the past 20 years) and annually attracts participants from all 50 states and 15+ countries around the world. Known as The Greatest Spectacle in Running, the race starts and finishes in downtown Indianapolis and includes a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. The flat, fast course is packed with thousands of the nicest volunteers you’ll ever meet, 16 course aid stations and nearly 100 course entertainment acts.

“The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a momentous civic tradition that kick starts the month of May in Indianapolis, and no city does a better job of hosting massive events than Indy,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Over the past 40 years, the race has impacted one million Hoosiers, helping everyday people instill a healthier lifestyle for themselves and others. Planet Fitness shares our commitment to enhancing the lives of our community through physical activity. We’re excited to further our partnership with them.”

Planet Fitness, founded in 1992, is known for the combination of its high-quality fitness experience, affordable prices, and hassle-free, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone. Today, Planet Fitness has over 10 million members and more than 1,300 locations system-wide in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. Each location features the brand's iconic "Lunk Alarm" – a purple and yellow siren on the wall used as a light-hearted reminder that grunting, dropping weights or judging others is not permitted. As a member appreciation gesture, Planet Fitness also provides free pizza on the first Monday of every month and free bagels on the second Tuesday of every month while supplies last – a reminder that it's okay to treat yourself every once in a while after a good workout.

The 2019 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 500 Festival 5K will take place on Saturday, May 4. To register for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, or to learn more, visit www.indymini.com/register or search #IndyMini on social media.

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization producing more than 50 life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster 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.

About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2018, Planet Fitness had approximately 12.1 million members and 1,608 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

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Media Contact: Sabrina List, 500 Festival
317.614-6141 | slist@500festival.com