RUNNING USA – Member Spotlight: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

For devoted sports fans, there are few places to finish a race that can live up to the thrill of their favorite team’s stadium. While they may never get to take the field as a member of that team, taking the field is the next best thing.

Fans of the Indy 500 are no different. And only one race, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (Indy Mini), gives runners the chance to take a lap around the track at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many stop to kiss the bricks at the start-finish, just as NASCAR champions have done for 20 years.

“As a Hoosier and non-NASCAR fan, I would probably never be on the track other than this race but I feel like it is a must-see,” wrote runner Kristen McKinley in a BibRave review.

As one of the largest half-marathons in the country, the Indy Mini is a big draw for participants from all of the country and the world. The race celebrated its 40^th anniversary this more and has no intention of slowing down.

New attractions for 2017 include the Mega Mini Challenge, in which runners can sign up to run both the 5K and half-marathon on the same day. And the popular Pacesetter Challenge creates an official time to beat based on the running and diving of IndyCar racer Tony Kanaan. Anyone finishing under the 1:58.29 threshold will help contribute to charitable fundraising.

Ben Pawelak, Senior Manager of Consumer Sales and Service for the Indy 500 Festival, kindly answered our questions about the experience that is the one and only Indy Mini. Ben oversees registration and customer service for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K. Recently he developed the Employee Wellness Challenge and Mini with a Meaning programs within the Mini-Marathon to further engage the community.

 

You are one of the largest half marathons in the United States. What makes your race different and unique?

Pawelak: As one of the nation’s largest half-marathons, the Indy Mini has earned its reputation as the Greatest Spectacle in Running. We are the only race that allows participants the opportunity to complete a lap around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, it is our participants who truly make the race special. May 2017 will mark the 41^st running of the Indy Mini and has become a tradition for many of our participants. From U.S. Olympian Meb Keflezighi to a first-time runner to the countless families that make it a tradition, the Indy Mini’s exciting atmosphere coupled with its flat, fast course make it appealing to all levels of runners.

 

What are three things that a runner who has never participated in the Indy Mini before should know that might get them interested in the race?

Pawelak: We have something for everyone! A flat, fast course for the serious runner, beach balls at the start line and over 70 entertainment stations along the course for those who want to have fun and an 18 minute pace requirement for walkers who want to experience it all.

 

The Indy Mini is part of a variety of events that celebrate the Indy 500. Can you talk about how the 500 Festival bridges various demographic and interest groups, and what its overall role is in supporting the Indy 500?

Pawelak: The 500 Festival’s mission is to produce 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. The best way to reach all off the different audiences around Indiana is to find something for everyone. The Mini-Marathon has quite literally found a way to bridge racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a running race around the track. Funds generated from Indy Mini registrations help support the 500 Festival’s free programs and events, enabling our organization to provide relevant, meaningful connections to the Indy 500 – to all demographics and interest groups.

 

Is Indianapolis a running town? What does running culture there look like?

Pawelak: Indianapolis is a great running town! Between local race organizers, community partners and the commitment the city and state have put into health and well-being, the effects can be seen throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. The extensive trail system throughout Indianapolis has contributed greatly to this cause highlighted by the Monon Trail, originating downtown and extending 18 miles north through local neighborhoods and communities, and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8-mile trail throughout downtown that was recently completed in 2013.

 

Tell us about the organization that puts on the Indy Mini.

Pawelak: The 500 Festival is the organization behind the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. 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.

One of the original 500 Festival events, the IPL 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest, most respected parades, consistently earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Taking place the day before the Indy 500 and featuring all 33 drivers of the race, this annual tradition is attended by over 300,000 spectators.

Other events and programs put on by the 500 Festival include the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day, the largest free outdoor children’s festival in the state of Indiana and the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health, immersing 4^th grade students in the history and culture of the Indianapolis 500 featuring field trips to Indianapolis Motor Speedway at no cost to the student or school.

 

Anything new and exciting for the Mini in 2017?

Pawelak: Pacesetter Challenge: IndyCar driver and fan favorite, Tony Kanaan, will serve as the official Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Kanaan was a participant in the 2016 Mini-Marathon, finishing in 1:43:29. The 500 Festival added 5 minutes for every position higher than 10th that Kanaan finished the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series. Kanaan ended the season ranked #7, making the official time to beat 1:58.29. For each 2017 Mini-Marathon participant who finishes faster than the official time, the 500 Festival will donate $1 to a charity, voted on by the participants.   

Mega Mini Challenge: Participants will tackle both the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on race morning. Participants who register for the challenge will receive a commemorative shirt and medal as well as shirts and medals for the Mini-Marathon and 5K. Registration starts at $120.

Mini Maniac Challenge: Participants will take on all 32.1 miles of the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy in February, March and April and the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Mini Maniac participants will receive a commemorative shirt and medal in addition to the shirts and medals for the Miler Series and Mini-Marathon. Registration for the Mini Maniac Challenge starts at $125. 

 

Why are you a member of Running USA and what are some benefits of being part of the organization?

Pawelak: Being part of Running USA allows us to see the landscape of the running industry. We know our strengths and challenges, but through opportunities such as the annual conference and National Runner Survey we are able to not only improve our races but help others improve theirs as well.