Hundreds of volunteers needed to provide mini-mini participants with a big experience

INDIANAPOLIS (July 10, 2018) - The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today announced that volunteer registration is open for the 2018 500 Festival mini-mini, a timed fun run held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and designed specifically for kids. The 500 Festival is looking to fill 300 volunteer opportunities to help provide thousands of Indiana’s youth with an experience similar to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon that’s sized just for them. The third annual 500 Festival mini-mini will take place on Sunday, August 26, 2018, and is open to children ages 5 – 12. Individuals and groups can review mini-mini volunteer opportunities and register to volunteer by visiting 500Festival.com/volunteer.

As part of the 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group, mini-mini volunteers will help provide mini-mini participants with a safe and enjoyable experience. Each year, the 500 Festival relies on 7,000 volunteers to ensure its events and programs continue to deliver a lasting, significant impact. The organization is looking for individuals and groups who are interested in using their time and talent to support the mini-mini.

The 500 Festival is offering many volunteer opportunities for the 2018 mini-mini, ensuring there is a role to fit every interest and ability. All 500 Festival mini-mini volunteers are required to submit and pass a background check to be deemed eligible to volunteer. Examples of volunteer opportunities for the mini-mini include:

• Runners’ Services: Be a part of the finish celebration! As the 500 Festival mini-mini participants cross the finish line, you’ll guide them through the finish line experience, handing out snacks, water and other goodies.
• “Ask Me”: Help participants (and their fans) with questions and provide directional assistance on mini-mini race day. The 500 Festival will provide the tools and support necessary to make you a race day superhero.
• Reunion Area: Help mini-mini participants reunite with their parent or guardian after their race.
• Start Line Assistance: Organize mini-mini participants into their distance-specific corrals. You’ll be part of the excitement at the start of the big race!

2018 mini-mini volunteers will receive the following perks:

• 500 Festival mini-mini volunteer t-shirt
• 500 Festival mini-mini volunteer pin
• Complimentary meals, snacks and refreshments on event day
• Thank you gift (provided on event day)
• An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at this 500 Festival event and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

“The 500 Festival mini-mini has become a flagship event for the 500 Festival’s youth fitness programs and initiatives,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “As the producers of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 500 Festival mini-mini provides a similar experience for younger runners. The experience of running the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is what makes the Indy Mini so special, and giving that same experience to these kids is a vital part of getting young Hoosiers excited about running. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of participants and their families to the track for the third annual 500 Festival mini-mini on August 26.”

To view a list of mini-mini volunteer opportunities or to register as a 2018 500 Festival mini-mini volunteer, visit www.500Festival.com/volunteer. Additional questions regarding volunteering with the 500 Festival may be directed to volunteer@500festival.com.

The 500 Festival Volunteer Program is presented by Citizens Energy Group, with additional support from Meijer, Pepsi, Aquafina and HotBox Pizza.

The 500 Festival mini-mini is the first and only youth run to take place at IMS. Kids participating in the mini-mini will experience the larger-than-life fun of a 500 Festival running event – complete with course entertainment, massive cheering sections, participant timing, and the coveted mini-mini medal. Five different race distances will be offered, ranging from half a mile to 2.5 miles, allowing participants to select the race that best meets their age and ability. All participants will start and finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famed Yard of Bricks.

All 500 Festival mini-mini participants will attend packet pickup, hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Plaza Pavilion before the race. mini-mini participants will receive a runner's bib with a timing device and a participant shirt. At the conclusion of their race, participants will receive a finisher's medal and the opportunity to go through runner’s services – just like the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participants.

2018 mini-mini Schedule

• 1:30 pm: Gates & Celebration Zone Open; Packet Pickup Begins
• 2:30 pm: 0.5 Mile Race (K/1st grade, 5-7 years old)
• 3:00 pm: 1 Mile Race (2nd/3rd grade, 7-9 years old)
• 3:30 pm: 1.5 Mile Race (4th grade, 9-10 years old)
• 4:00 pm: 2 Mile Race (5th grade, 10-11 years old)
• 4:45 pm: 2.5 Mile Race (6th grade, 11-12 years old)

6:00 pm: Gates & Celebration Zone Close

The top three male and female finishers of each wave will receive awards

Times are approximate, subject to change.

Participants and spectators can enjoy the mini-mini's Celebration Zone before and after their race. The Celebration Zone will feature fun, interactive activities for children of all ages and a wide range of exhibitors who believe in the importance of a healthy lifestyle for Indiana's youth.

Parents or guardians can register their mini runner online for $15 now through Thursday, August 23. The cost to register onsite the day of the event is $20. Both fees include a participant t-shirt and finisher’s medal. To register online, please visit: http://www.indymini.com/p/kidsrunning/minimini.  

To learn more about the 500 Festival mini-mini, visit www.indymini.com or search #Indyminimini on social media.

The 500 Festival mini-mini is supported by the 500 Festival Foundation and Youth Fitness Cornerstone Partners: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, AON, Crowe LLP, and PNC Bank.

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 while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering 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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