As a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned event, the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 5K are subject to the USATF Competition Rules. The Policies and Procedures incorporate the USATF Rules and additional provisions adopted by the 500 Festival to ensure a safe, fair race for all participants. The complete USATF Rules are available
HERE. The USATF Rules are implemented by the 500 Festival.
Absolutely no participant is allowed on the course prior to 7:30 am ET. Any participant on the racecourse before 7:30 am will be disqualified and asked to leave the racecourse. The following are strictly prohibited at all times.
- Roller Skates (including in-line skate)
- Skateboards
- Bicycles (including hand crank bicycles)
- Motorized or gear-driven vehicles of any kind
- Baby Strollers
- Animals
- Backpacks (see below for hydration pack regulations)
Bibs
All participants are required to wear a bib number that has been assigned to them. Those participants without a visible bib number will be removed from the course. No participant will be allowed to enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway without a visible bib number.
Start Line
The Mini-Marathon uses a corral system for a more efficient and organized race start. Please be honest with the assessment of your ability, as you will be placed in a corral based on your run/racewalk/walk status and your estimated finish time. You can use the pace calculator on the Seeding page to find your estimated finish time. As a reference, most walkers complete the Mini-Marathon between 3:15 and 4:00. This corral method is designed to help alleviate passing and congestion throughout the course making your race experience more enjoyable.
Hydration Packs
While on-course hydration stations are available, participants are welcome to bring their own hydration pack, provided it adheres to the following guidelines:
- The pack should not exceed dimensions of 15” by 10” by 3”
- The reservoir capacity must not exceed 2 liters and should not exceed a total pack capacity of 5 liters
What Are the Race Time Limits?
The Mini-Marathon has a
time limit of 4 hours (18-minute mile pace). Participants must be able to maintain the 18-minute mile pace or they will be required to board the trail bus. This limit allows our volunteers to clean and clear the course prior to the streets being open to traffic. Our
Back of the Pack crew will be out to mark the time limit and encourage all the participants to keep going! The 18-minute-per-mile time limit begins when the last participant crosses the start line. The
Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K will carry a 56-minute time limit for completion.
Entry Requirements
- Race registration will close once the maximum field is reached, regardless of the date.
- There will be NO race day registration
- There will be NO race day packet pick-up
- Waiver MUST be signed in order to process the application
- There will be NO entry fee refunds
Where can I find more information about our Athletes with Disabilities Program?
Please see the page linked below for information and general policies. The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Athletes with Disabilities Program is open to duo teams and competitive push-rim participants.
Learn More