Participant Guide
Welcome to the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K!
This Participant Guide has everything you need for race weekend – from schedules and parking info to course maps and spectator tips. On Saturday, May 2, 2026, more than 30,000 runners will take over the streets of Indy for The Greatest Spectacle in Running®.
Congratulations, you conquered the Indy Mini! 👏
Save the date for May 8, 2027
Registration is NOW OPEN!
While we’re still soaking in the feels, it’s time to lock in your spot for next year at the lowest rate. Join the #IndyMini community and keep the momentum going!
Secure the lowest rate now through May 12 at 11:59 pm ET. Don’t wait for the price jump — join us and let the countdown to next May begin!
Celebrate in the Post Race Party, presented by PNC Bank 🎉
The 500 Festival Post Race Party in Military Park is a fun place for both participants and spectators. This beautiful urban park has plenty of grassy areas and shade trees for relaxation. There’s no better way to celebrate than with an ice-cold Michelob ULTRA, including a complimentary sample for participants to enjoy, live music, live video feed of the race, and outstanding food from local restaurants and specialty food vendors.
Meet Your Mini-Marathon Pacers
Need some extra support or encouragement in your goal to finish the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon? Looking to conquer a personal best? The DICK’S Sporting Goods Pace Team, powered by Elevated Pacing, can help you meet your performance goals!
Swing by the Elevated Running and Pacing booth to get all your questions answered, discuss the course and strategies, find your pacer, or get some advice before your big race. This group has your back!
Expo & Packet Pickup
The Expo is the start to Indy Mini weekend in Indianapolis! All participants are required to pick up their race materials (bib/timing device, participant shirt, gear check bag) at the Expo.
The 2026 Indy Mini Expo will take place on Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1, at the Indiana Convention Center, Hall A and B. Please enter through Hall B.
What to Bring ➜ Reminder: You must have a photo ID or your bib number to claim your packet.
If you can’t make it ➜ Someone else can pick it up for you with a copy of your photo ID and your bib number. Race packets will not be mailed, and race day packet pickup is not available.
Don’t forget to pick up your participant hat at the IU Health table ➜ Show your Mini-Marathon or Challenge bib to the IU Health table at the Expo to receive your iconic participant hat!
Download the Rally App
Get Voice Notes on Race Day
Training gets you to the start line, but your “people” get you to the finish. This year, you can bring your support system with you for every mile.
We’ve partnered with Rally to bring personalized voice messages from your friends and family directly to your headphones on race day (for both the Mini-Marathon and 5K!). Whether they are standing on the curb at the Yard of Bricks or cheering from another time zone, you’ll hear their voices exactly when you need that extra push.
Here’s how it works
Invite Your Crew ➜ Download the Rally app and send your unique recording link to your family and friends
They Record, You Run ➜ Your crew records a quick message through the link — they don’t even need the app to do it!
The Ultimate Boost ➜ On race day, follow the instructions on the app and hit “Start” in the Rally app. The messages you receive will play automatically through your headphones mile by mile, cheering you on all the way to the finish line.
Download Rally and start collecting your messages today
Fuel Provided on the Course
UnTapped Energy Gels will be available along the Mini-Marathon course on race day, providing runners with convenient fuel to keep them going. Made with pure Vermont maple syrup, these all-natural energy gels are easy to digest and deliver great-tasting, long-lasting energy when athletes need it most.
Gatorade Endurance will also be available along the Mini-Marathon course. The formula is specifically designed to help athletes like you stay hydrated and fueled during prolonged training and racing periods when fluid and electrolyte losses can be high. We’ll have Lemon-Lime G Endurance Formula on-course at every IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon aid station to keep you fueled & hydrated.
Medical Support
Fast Track to Care
Indiana University Health is the Official Medical Provider of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon with expert providers available during training, race day, and recovery.
Their highly skilled sports medicine providers can support you every step of the way as you train for and achieve your goals.
Don’t let a new or chronic injury get in the way of your training, race day, or recovery. Fast Track to Care is an immediate way to reach an IU Health sports medicine providers and set up an appointment.
Learn About the Gold Mile
Mile 6 of the Mini-Marathon
Experience the most powerful stretch of the course at Mile 6 on the backstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As you pass through this tribute, hundreds of Gold Star families and volunteers will line the track to honor fallen service members with flags and photos. Let their stories of courage and sacrifice provide the ultimate motivation to push through the toughest peak of your race.
Spectator Guide
Race day isn’t just for participants — your cheer squad can be part of the excitement too! From the start line to the Post Race Party, there are plenty of great spots for spectators to catch the action.
Encourage your friends and family to plan so they can cheer you on safely and easily.
Gear Check
UPS Gear check is provided for participants and is located on West Street, north of the start line and south of the Post Race Party, presented by PNC Bank. 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.
