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

 

INDIANAPOLIS (July 14, 2021) - The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today announces that volunteer registration is open for the 2021 500 Festival mini-mini, an officially timed run held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and designed specifically for youth. 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. The 500 Festival is looking to fill 300 volunteer opportunities to help provide hundreds of Indiana’s youth with an experience that mirrors the excitement of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, sized just for them. Individuals and groups can review mini-mini volunteer opportunities and register to volunteer by visiting 500Festival.com/volunteer.

 

The sixth annual 500 Festival mini-mini will take place on Sunday, August 29, 2021, and is open to children ages 5 – 12. Each year, the 500 Festival relies on 3,500 volunteers to fill 7,000 positions 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 2021 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:

• Runner’s Services: Be a part of the finish-line celebration! As the 500 Festival mini-mini participants cross the finish line, you’ll guide them through the finish line experience, handing out medals, snacks, water, and other goodies.
• “Ask Me”: Assist 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!

 

2021 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
• Appreciation gift (provided on event day as a thank you)
• An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at this 500 Festival event and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

 

“We can’t wait to welcome hundreds of participants and their families back to the track for the sixth annual 500 Festival mini-mini on August 29,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “The 500 Festival mini-mini has become a flagship event for the 500 Festival’s youth fitness programs and initiatives. As the producers of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, one of America’s largest and best half marathons, the 500 Festival mini-mini provides Indiana’s youth with an Indy Mini experience that’s sized just for them. 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 and walking.”

 

To view a list of mini-mini volunteer opportunities or to register as a 2021 500 Festival mini-mini volunteer, visit www.500Festival.com/volunteer. Additional questions regarding volunteer opportunities 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 Aqua Systems 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, official participant timing, and the coveted mini-mini medal. Four different race distances will be offered, ranging from half a mile to three miles, allowing participants to select the race that best meets their age and ability. This year, participants will have the option to participate in person at the event on August 29 or virtually.

 

All in-person participants will attend packet pickup, hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the race, and will start and finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famed Yard of Bricks. Participants will receive a runner's bib with a timing device participant drawstring bag 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.

 

2021 mini-mini Race Day Schedule

1:00 pm Gates Open; Celebration Zone Open; Packet Pickup Begins

1:45 pm 3-Mile Distance Race, ages 11 - 12

2:50 pm 2-Mile Distance Race, ages 9 - 11

3:40 pm 1-Mile Distance Race, ages 7 - 9

4:15 pm 0.5-Mile Distance Race, ages 5 - 7

5:00 pm Gates & Celebration Zone Close

 

Ages above are suggested. Times are approximate, subject to change. The top three male and female finishers of each race will receive awards. No one older than the suggested age range is eligible for awards. Awards are based on chip time, not actual finish position.

 

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.

 

Now through August 22, parents or guardians can register their mini-mini runner online for the in-person event for $15. The deadline to register for the virtual option is August 2. Registration will be available on the day of the event at an increased price (while supplies last). To learn more about the 500 Festival mini-mini or to register, visit indymini.com/minimini 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, and Crowe LLP.

 

Additional support is provided by Republic Airways LIFT Academy, and Ascension St. Vincent.

 

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces 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 $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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