OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon & 5K

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, which takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the largest half marathon in the United States, and the seventh-largest running event in America. As of the 37th running in 2013, it had sold out the entire running field of 35,000 for twelve consecutive years.

Commonly known as “The Mini,” it attracts runners and spectators from all over the United States and the entire world. In 2011, participants came from all fifty states and nine countries. The race includes a men’s and women’s running division, as well as men’s and women’s wheelchair entries. The Finish Line 500 Festival 5K, a shorter version of the Mini utilizing the same start and finish lines, runs the same day.

The Mini-Marathon began in 1977 and became an official 500 Festival event in 1979. The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. Over the past 55 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. The Mini-Marathon is one of the first events of the month-long celebration, running the day before IndyCar Series practice opens at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

From 1977-1992, the race was held the Friday before the Indianapolis 500 (part of Memorial Day weekend). Starting in 1993, the race was moved to the first (or sometimes second) weekend in May. The latest race was held on May 4, 2013. The next race will be held on May 3, 2014.

The 13.1-mile (21.1 km) course currently starts in downtown Indianapolis, includes city streets and a full loop around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then returns to finish in the downtown area. The men’s record for the Mini is 1:01.54 set in 2002 by Gabriel Muchiri. The women’s record was set in 2003 by Albina Ivanova with a time of 1:11.24.