Race Information
What is seeding, and should I submit it?
Seeding is proof that you have finished a road race in a certain amount of time and allows you to move towards the front of the Mini-Marathon at the start line. If you have achieved a race result that meets our seeding standards below, you are eligible to be seeded towards the front of Wave 1.
You can find our seeding requirements online at IndyMini.com/Seeding
If you do not meet these requirements, then it is not necessary to submit a seeding request.
I ran last year, will I be seeded off of that time?
If you participated last year, you will not be automatically seeded based on that finish time.
If you wish to be seeded, you must submit proof. Race results must be from the 2024 Indy Mini or a road race that occurred between January 1, 2024, and April 6, 2025. The deadline to submit your seeding proof is April 6, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.
2024 or 2025 road race and are at least three miles in distance. Virtual results are NOT applicable
Where is my starting location for the Mini-Marathon?
All participants will have a corral letter on their bib number. This letter corresponds to a specific starting location based on your estimated finishing time. You must start in this corral or, if you are starting with another person that is in a different corral, you must start in the slower of the two locations. The order of the corrals is as follows (from fastest to slowest) A, B, C, D, E, F, etc.
How does the Mega Mini (Mini-Marathon & 5K) or Greatest Spectacle Challenge (Miler, Mini-Marathon, & 5K) work on race day?
Participants completing both the 5K and Mini-Marathon will first line up with the 5K participants at 7:00 am. Please keep in mind that the 5K is self-seeded, so you’ll want to start at the front.
After completing the 5K, participants will bypass the runner’s services and follow the signs directing them back to the start line for the Mini-Marathon.
From there, participants will join the corral listed on their bib. If their corral has already left, they can join the next departing corral. Once they complete the Mini-Marathon, they will receive their medal at the finish line and pick up their 5K and Challenge medal from the Challenge medal tent in the Post Race Party, presented by PNC Bank.
Participants who wish to complete the Mini-Marathon and 5K but NOT register for a challenge will need to wear their 5K bib for the 5K, and their Mini bib for the Indy Mini. They cannot wear both at the same time. Challenge participants will receive one bib that will register their time for both events.
What time does each wave start for the Indy Mini?
7:00 a.m. – Men's USATF 5 KM
7:02 a.m. – Women's USATF 5 KM
7:05 a.m. – Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K
7:35 a.m. – Athletes with Disabilities
7:40 a.m. – Wave 1: IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
7:50 a.m. – Wave 2: IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
8:00 a.m. – Wave 3: IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
8:10 a.m. – Wave 4: IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
Where are the water stations?
The water stations are named Pit Areas as part of the Festival's ties to automotive racing.
Pit Areas with water are marked with a "W" on the course map and will have blue banners on the course on event day.
Pit Areas with Gatorade Endurance Formula are marked with a "G" on the course map and will have green banners on the course on event day.
Course maps can be found at IndyMini.com/Maps
What if I can't finish the race?
The Back of the Pack crew will be on hand to help, and there will be a bus following the last participants of the race. Any Mini-Marathon participants who cannot finish, or cannot keep up with the 18 minute/mile minimum pace can ride the bus to the Post Race Party.
Where should I meet my family after the race?
Meet your friends and family in the Meijer Family Reunion Area located at the Post Race Party in Military Park. This area will be divided by letter of the alphabet and will feature live entertainment.
A map of the Post Race Party, presented by PNC Bank, can be found at IndyMini.com/PRP.
Please make meeting plans prior to the start of the race.
Where can I check my gear during the race?
UPS Gear check is provided for Mini-Marathon participants and is located on West Street, north of the start line and south of the Post Race Party. Please use the bag you received at the Expo and tear off the tag located on your bib. UPS Trucks are arranged by bib number. Please identify your bib number and corresponding truck to check your gear.
Can I run in the 5K instead of the Mini-Marathon?
Yes, if you are registered for the Mini-Marathon and would like to participate in the 5K simply line up with the 5K participants wearing your Mini-Marathon bib. Your results will reflect that you participated in the 5K and you will receive a 5K medal. The 5K will begin at 7:00 am.
When is next year's date?
Save the date! The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026