Early registration fee available until November 1, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS (July 21, 2008) – The countdown has begun for the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Online registration for the Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K is now available. Registration can be made directly at www.500festival.com or by going to the website and downloading and mailing in the registration form. The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the nation’s largest half-marathon, is scheduled for May 2, 2009.
Mini-Marathon entries will be accepted for the early registration fee of $50 until November 1, 2008. From November 2, 2008 through January 31, 2009, registration is $70. Registration will close on January 31, 2009 or the date the maximum field of 35,000 participants is reached. The race has sold out the last seven years. Last year’s race sold out on November 30, 2007, nearly six months before race day. The 500 Festival expects another sell-out for the 2009 event.
The early registration fee for the 2009 Finish Line 500 Festival 5K is $25 through November 1, 2008 or $30 from November 2, 2008 through March 31, 2009. Registration will close on the date the maximum field is reached.
The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, St. Francis, Marsh and Subway.
500 Festival Training Series, presented by OrthoIndy
This year the 500 Festival will also host the ninth season of the 500 Festival Training Series presented by OrthoIndy. The series features computer chip timing and scoring on certified courses and is designed to provide participants a low-pressure opportunity to gauge their progression in preparation for the 2009 Mini-Marathon. The series gradually increases in distance, coinciding with a typical training program’s schedule. Training Series dates for 2009 are: February 7 (5K); March 7 (10K) and April 4 (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.
The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests. These events and programs, produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational, and social benefits to the world.
The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 51 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.
Last year, nearly 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation's premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.
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