500 Festival Running Events

You could say the City of Indianapolis is a little obsessed with fast races and massive sporting events. This passion for speed and sport is why the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is one of the nation’s largest half marathons (and has been for 20+ years) and why Runner’s World named it one of America’s Most Iconic Races.

At the beginning of May, 20,000+ runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers, take over the streets of downtown Indianapolis for The Greatest Spectacle in Running – the Indy Mini. This epic race starts in the heart of downtown Indianapolis like only we could – with an IndyCar leading off each wave. The flat, fast course is packed with thousands of the nicest volunteers you’ll ever meet and nearly 100 course entertainment acts. What makes the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon even more special is that the course includes a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (you know, home of the Indy 500). As participants reach the Speedway’s Yard of Bricks, many will stop to kneel and kiss the bricks. Funny tradition? Maybe. But tradition is what we’re all about!

2025 marks the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon’s 49th running. Within its history, countless stories have emerged around the heart pounding excitement of the Indy Mini. From United States Olympians Frank Shorter and Meb Keflezighi, to the six people that have completed every Mini-Marathon, to families getting healthy together, the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has become a beloved tradition. JOIN US!