rss500 FESTIVAL MINI-MARATHON

On Saturday May 7th, 2011 Indianapolis will host the 35th annual 500 Festival Mini Marathon. This year’s event, which is sponsored by One America insurance group, will host entrants from 49 states and 8 countries. The 2010 event has sold out for the ninth consecutive year with 35,000.00 entrants. However, spectators and supporters are welcome to attend this free event, which includes the 500 Festival Mini Marathon Expo held on May 5th and 6th at the Indianapolis Convention Center as well as the post race party, held at Military Park at the corner of New York and West Street in downtown Indianapolis. The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo takes place on Thursday and Friday, before the half-marathon at the Indiana Convention Center.More information regarding the expo can be found on their website: http://www.icclos.com/.

The mini marathon will commence with a 5k race, which is limited to 4000 entrants. The 5k will start from the same starting line as the mini marathon, but participants are required to finish within 56 minutes in order to make room for the main event, which starts promptly at 7:30 A.M. for wheel chair entrants and 7:33 A.M. for runners and walkers.

This world famous mini marathon actually draws a larger audience than the famed Boston Marathon. It will be televised locally by WISH TV Channel 8 commencing at 6:30 A.M. The mini begins at the intersection of Washington St. and West Street, then meanders through downtown streets toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, circles the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway track before returning downtown to the finish line at New York and Blackford streets.

More than 100 bands, cheer groups, disk jockeys and dance troupes will provide entertainment for the participants and spectators of the event. Food and drinks will also be available at various sites in conjunction with the event, including the post race celebration at Military Park.

Some streets will be closed to accommodate the competitors, but curbside parking is free on weekends downtown. Early-birds may be able to avoid the necessity for parking in one of the many commercial parking garages located downtown. More than 90 thousand people are expected for this years event. More information can be found at the 500 Festival Mini Marathon website: http://www.500festival.com