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500 Festival Running Events

Sat, May 2, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT

Location
Indianapolis, IN
Downtown Indianapolis, 46204
Type
RUN
Official registrationPast results (if available)

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Experience the thrill of Indy's iconic half marathon, featuring a lap around the Motor Speedway and a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Festive

Great for: casual, fun-first runners, runners who like a competitive edge

The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is an iconic Indianapolis event, celebrating speed and sport for over 20 years. Recognized as one of the nation's largest half marathons, it draws over 20,000 participants to the streets of Indy each May. Runners enjoy a flat, fast course, thousands of volunteers, and over 50 entertainment acts. A highlight is the 2.5-mile lap around the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where many embrace the tradition of kissing the Yard of Bricks. The 2026 event marks its 50th running, welcoming everyone from Olympians to families.

What to expect

  • Run a flat, fast course through the streets of Indianapolis.
  • Enjoy over 50 entertainment acts and thousands of friendly volunteers.
  • Complete a memorable 2.5-mile lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Standout details

  • Lap around Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Kiss the Yard of Bricks tradition
  • Over 50 entertainment acts
  • One of the nation's largest half marathons

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • 5K

    Sat, May 2, 7:00 AM EDT · From $32.50

    Opens Apr 28, 2025, 10:00 AM EDT · Closes May 12, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • 13.1 Miles

    Sat, May 2, 7:30 AM EDT · From $72.15

    Opens Apr 28, 2025, 10:00 AM EDT · Closes May 12, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • 16.2 Miles

    Sat, May 2, 7:00 AM EDT · From $127.65

    Opens Apr 28, 2025, 10:01 AM EDT · Closes May 12, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

  • Flat
  • Timed race
From the organizer

Indianapolis is known for its love of speed, sport, and big events, and the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is no exception. For over 20 years, this iconic race has earned its place as one of the nation’s largest half marathons, even making Runner’s World’s list of America's Most Iconic Races and USAToday's 10Best Half Marathon.

Every May, more than 20,000 participants take over the streets of Indy for The Greatest Spectacle in Running® taking place over Indy Mini Weekend. The race kicks off with a pace car leading each wave, and the flat, fast course is lined with thousands of friendly volunteers and over 50 entertainment acts. One of the best parts – a 2.5-mile lap around the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. Many runners stop to kiss the Yard of Bricks, embracing a fun, meaningful race-day tradition.

2026 marks the 50th Running of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, a race that’s seen everything from Olympians like Frank Shorter and Meb Keflezighi to families running and walking together in celebration. Be part of the tradition, and join us on May 2, 2026.

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