Virtual Safety Tips

While we are all completing our virtual OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K races alone, are #INdyMini together! As you prepare to complete your race, keep these important safety tips in mind to ensure a fun and safe experience. Be sure you also follow guidance from government officials on social distancing and the CDC’s guidance on how to prevent getting sick during this time.

• Remember, you are not running, walking or wheeling on closed courses. Please be aware of your surroundings, use running trails or sidewalks if possible, use crosswalks when crossing roads, and obey normal traffic laws
• Use an online tool or app to create your course and familiarize yourself with your route. Checkout our tips for creating your route HERE.
• Don’t forget your hydration and snacks! Water fountains or sources may not be available along your route so you will need to carry a water bottle or hydration pack on you during your race. You could ask your neighbors to place a bottle of water or snack outside of their house for you. Or, consider asking your family to meet you along your route with hydration and/or a snack.
• Carry your ID and phone with you in case of emergency.
• Notify someone when you start your walk / run and then when you are done. Share your course with them as well.
• Check the weather for the date and time you plan on completing your virtual race. You have until June 30 to finish your virtual Indy Mini and 5K- try to reschedule if weather conditions are hazardous!
• Wear reflective and light-up gear in low-light conditions so you can see where you’re going, and so others can see you.
• Use common sense and listen to your body. Do not attempt to complete your race that day if you’re feeling ill or experience an injury.
• Thoroughly wash your hands as soon as you get home.
• Try to minimize your accident risk as much as possible. We want you to achieve your goals, but it’s never been more important for you to minimize your risk of accidents or injuries that could divert medical services away from COVID-19 relief. Take caution and be extra vigilant for potential pot holes where you might twist your ankle, avoid tripping, be mindful of your skill and comfort level. Help your community prioritize efficiency with our medical resources.
• Be aware of your surroundings during your race. While your favorite playlist or podcast can offer encouragement and motivation, it also limits your ability to hear oncoming traffic and other hazards. Consider running or walking with just one ear bud in or using bone conducting headphones.
• If sidewalks are available in your community, use them. Most communities have ordinances requiring the use of sidewalks by pedestrians when they are available. Do not create unsafe driving situations for emergency vehicles by running down the middle of a road. If you need to divert to the street in order to maintain the proper distance, be sure to run as close to the edge as possible and run in the opposite direction of traffic.

Of course, if you’re experiencing an emergency during your virtual race, call 911 right away. Good luck as you complete your virtual Indy Mini or 5K! Share your race experience with us on social media by tagging @500Festival and #IndyMini. You can also be entered into our social media contest if you post publicly before June 30! Learn more HERE.