The Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon

This year's event, which is sponsored by Onecommencing at 6:30 A.M. The mini begins at the
America insurance group, will host entrants from 49intersection of Washington St. and West Street, then
states and 8 countries. The 2010 event has sold outmeanders through downtown streets toward the
for the ninth consecutive year with 35,000 entrants.Indianapolis Motor Speedway, circles the world
However, spectators and supporters are welcome tofamous Indianapolis Motor Speedway track before
attend this free event, which includes the 500returning downtown to the finish line at New York
Festival Mini Marathon Expo held on May 6th and 7thand Blackford streets.
at the Indianapolis Convention Center as well as theMore than 100 bands, cheer groups, disk jockeys and
post race party, held at Military Park at the corner ofdance troupes will provide entertainment for the
New York and West Street in downtown Indianapolis.participants and spectators of the event. Food and
The mini marathon will commence with a 5k race,drinks will also be available at various sites in
which is limited to 4000 entrants. The 5k will startconjunction with the event, including the post race
from the same starting line as the mini marathon, butcelebration at Military Park.
participants are required to finish within 56 minutes inSome streets will be closed to accommodate the
order to make room for the main event, whichcompetitors, but curbside parking is free on
starts promptly at 7:30 A.M. for wheel chair entrantsweekends downtown. Early-birds may be able to
and 7:33 A.M. for runners and walkers.avoid the necessity for parking in one of the many
This world famous mini marathon actually draws acommercial parking garages located downtown. More
larger audience than the famed Boston Marathon. Itthan 90 thousand people are expected for this years
will be televised locally by WISH TV Channel 8event.