The 500 Festival officials announced today that the 30th Running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the nation’s largest half-marathon, has surpassed its mark of 30,000 registrations.  In an effort to accommodate more race enthusiasts who embrace this popular community event, the 500 Festival will expand the field to 35,000 entries. Registrations are available online at www.500festival.com or via paper applications available at local Finish Line stores and Marsh Supermarkets.

Registrations for the 2006 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, May 6, have been rolling in at record pace since the opportunity to register opened May 7 (the day of the 2005 Mini-Marathon). More than 7,000 more registrations have been received to date than this time last year. The 2005 event sold out Dec. 13 2004.

“The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has become a signature event in Indianapolis.,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO, 500 Festival. “As a community festival, we invite and appreciate as much participation as we can comfortably accommodate.  Safety, security and participant experience drive our decisions.” The 500 Festival has spent most of the year evaluating expansion opportunities with its medical team and city officials, all the while reviewing needs for additional volunteers along the course. Currently, more than 4,000 volunteers assist with the Mini-Marathon of the approximate 7,000 who volunteer annually with the 500 Festival.

The expanded field calls for additional volunteer support. Individuals or groups (church groups, corporations, associations, etc.) are invited to volunteer to distribute race packets to athletes, decorate Victory Mile, answer questions, motivate participants at designated mile markers, award medals at the finish line and more. To volunteer, register online at www.500festival.com or call the 500 Festival’s volunteer coordinator at (317) 614-6130.

“The Mini-Marathon has grown not only from 800 participants in its inaugural year in 1977 to 30,000-plus today, but in popularity as well,” said Jeff Graves, Vice President of Events, 500 Festival and Executive Director of the Mini-Marathon.  “The popularity of this event is the result of a great team effort and contributions from many people, including our Mini-Marathon committee and 4,000 dedicated volunteers; our staff event team; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; and loyal and generous sponsorship support from Mini Marathon title sponsor OneAmerica, associates sponsors Finish Line, Marsh, St. Francis Hospitals, Corporate Express, media partners in WISH-TV and Susquehanna Radio,” said Graves.

Registrations for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K are also on a record pace. Currently 1,099 entries have been filed.  Participants for the 5K may register online at www.500festival.com. Paper applications are also available at local Finish Line stores and Marsh Supermarkets. 

Online applications are also available for the 500 Festival Training Series, presented by OrthoIndy, which is in its sixth year. The Series features the use of ChampionChip Timing and Scoring on certified courses and is designed to provide participants a low-pressure opportunity to gauge their progression in preparation for the 2006 Mini-Marathon.

The series gradually increases in distance, coinciding with a typical training program’s schedule. Training Series dates for 2006 are: Feb. 4 (5K); March 4 (10K) and April 15 (15K). All Training Series events will begin and end at the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indianapolis’ White River State Park. Participants may register online at www.500festival.com.

Mini-Marathon Facts

• The 2004 event sold out Jan. 5, 2004
• The 2003 race sold out on Feb. 12, 2003
• The 2002 Mini-Marathon sold out  March 25, 2002
• Forty-nine (49) states currently represented (missing Montana)
• Nine countries currently represented: Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, France, Guatamala, Japan, Netherlands and the United States.
• Top Ten Cities: Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Fort Wayne, Chicago (Ill.), Noblesville, Zionsville, Bloomington and Lafayette.
• 51 percent of entries participated in 2005
• 13 participants running their 30th Mini-Marathon

The 500 Festival was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the Indianapolis 500.  It is a not-for-profit organization supported by corporate sponsorships, memberships and ticket sales.  More than 7,000 volunteers help produce 500 Festival events.  With annual participation of more than 425,000 people from around Indiana and the world, it has grown to be one of the largest festivals in the nation.

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