Registration is now open for the 2025 Salesforce & JPMorganChase 500 Festival Rookie Run, which will take place on Saturday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Indianapolis.  

The Rookie Run is a perfect introduction to running for kids ages 3-10, offering a fun, supportive, and festive atmosphere. This non-competitive event gives children a chance to experience a real race complete with a start and finish line, enthusiastic spectators, and tons of encouragement along the way. For many, it’s their first taste of an organized race. At the finish, participants are celebrated with cheers, snacks, water, and their very own Rookie Run finisher medal. 

This event is part of the 500 Festival’s broader commitment to health and fitness initiatives across Indiana. By celebrating community, well-being, and the joy of movement, it encourages kids to build healthy habits and become active from an early age.   

Registration is open online at 500festival.com/rookie for $10 until May 7, which includes a commemorative shirt, goodie bag, bib, and finisher medal. On-site registration is available for $5 (includes medal, bib, and goodie bag only), with shirts available for purchase for an additional $5 while supplies last.   

“The most rewarding moment of the Salesforce & JPMorganChase 500 Festival Rookie Run is seeing the joy on the faces of the children participating,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “It’s often the first time these children are participating in an organized run, and we enjoy being able to instill that experience at such a young age.” 

Rookie Run Schedule  

• Age 3: 2-block course – 11:30 am*  

• Age 4: 2-block course – 12:00 pm*  

• Ages 5-6: 1/5-mile course – 12:30 pm*  

• Ages 7-8: 1/3-mile course – 1:00 pm*  

• Ages 9-10: 1/3-mile course – 1:30 pm*  

*Times are approximate and subject to change.  

The Rookie Run is supported by our corporate partners: Salesforce, JPMorganChase, Delta Dental, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, and WTHR.  

For more information on the Rookie Run and to register, visit 500Festival.com/Rookie or search #500RookieRun on social media.