30th Running Celebrates Record Registration

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The 500 Festival announced today the 30th Running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has sold out with a record 35,000 entries, just nine days after announcing the organization would expand the field to accommodate more race enthusiasts. Organizers opened another 5,000 spots Nov. 23 when the field reached 30,000 entries in record time. Entries postmarked on or before today, Dec. 2, will be accepted.

This marks the earliest sell-out for the event. The 2005 event sold out Dec. 13, 2004 with 30,000 entries. The previous year, the race reached its original sell-out point of 25,000 in December when the 500 Festival expanded the field by 5,000 spots, which sold out Jan. 5, 2004. The annual road race celebrating the Indianapolis 500 has continued to grow since its inception in 1977 and a field of 800 participants.

Registration remains open for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K at www.500festival.com which is also on record registration pace. The 5K field is approximately 50 percent full. Paper applications are also available at local Finish Line stores and Marsh Supermarkets.

"The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is not only an Indianapolis tradition, it's become THE road race to participate in during the month of May," said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO, 500 Festival. "The popularity of road races as tourism events has grown exponentially with group tours and getaway weekends specifically targeted to the running boom taking place across America."

"We compete with more than 135 road races that occur during the month of May alone in the Midwest," said Jeff Graves, Vice President of Events for the 500 Festival and Executive Director of the Mini-Marathon. "This sell-out is a testament to the Mini-Marathon's popularity, Indianapolis' hospitality and volunteer spirit that make it a quality experience for our participants."

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon's popularity is boosted by corporate supporters and partners such as OneAmerica, Finish Line, Marsh Supermarkets, St. Francis Hospitals, Corporate Express, WISH TV, Susquehanna Radio and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 500 Festival will allow registration transfers for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon beginning in January. Rules and regulations will be posted to www.500festival.com at that time.