INDIANAPOLIS (July 26, 2017) - The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announced that volunteer registration is open for the 2017 500 Festival mini-mini, the only youth run to take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 500 Festival mini-mini provides Indiana’s youth with an experience similar to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon that’s sized just for them. The second annual 500 Festival mini-mini will take place on Sunday, September 17, 2017, and is open to children ages 5 – 12.

mini-mini volunteers will be part of the 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group. 500 Festival mini-mini volunteers will be responsible for ensuring that mini-mini participants have a safe, 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 2017 mini-mini, ensuring that 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 of the start of the big race!

500 Festival volunteers are the spirit and lifeblood behind the organization’s many events and programs. 2017 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

“As the producers of the nation’s premier half marathon, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, we recently set our sights on producing a similar scale event specifically for youth,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “In its second year, the mini-mini has already become one of our great 500 Festival events. We’re excited to continue to grow this race and get Indiana’s youth excited about running and being active. The volunteers who help make our events so special play a huge role in the success of the mini-mini. It’s a wonderful and rewarding experience to see kids achieve something and get excited about running.”

To view a list of mini-mini volunteer opportunities or to register as a 2017 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 sponsored by Citizens Energy Group, Meijer, Pepsi, and Aquafina.

Kids participating in the mini-mini will experience the larger-than-life fun of a 500 Festival running event – complete with course entertainment, cheering sections, 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 finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famed Yard of Bricks. Now through Tuesday, September 12, the pre-registration fee for the 500 Festival mini-mini is just $15. The cost to register on the day of the event is $20. Both fees include a participant t-shirt and finisher’s medal. To register, please visit: http://www.indymini.com/p/kidsrunning/minimini.   

The 500 Festival mini-mini is supported by the 500 Festival Foundation, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, AON, and PNC. To learn more about the 500 Festival mini-mini, visit www.indymini.com/p/kidsrunning/minimini or search #Indyminimini on social media.

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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