500 Festival Running Events

About the Event

Indianapolis is known for its love of speed, sport, and big events, and the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is no exception. For over 20 years, this iconic race has earned its place as one of the nation’s largest half marathons, even making Runner’s World’s list of America's Most Iconic Races and USAToday's 10Best Half Marathon.

Every May, more than 20,000 participants take over the streets of Indy for The Greatest Spectacle in Running® taking place over Indy Mini Weekend. The race kicks off with a pace car leading each wave, and the flat, fast course is lined with thousands of friendly volunteers and over 50 entertainment acts. One of the best parts – a 2.5-mile lap around the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. Many runners stop to kiss the Yard of Bricks, embracing a fun, meaningful race-day tradition.

2026 marks the 50th Running of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, a race that’s seen everything from Olympians like Frank Shorter and Meb Keflezighi to families running and walking together in celebration. Be part of the tradition, and join us on May 2, 2026.

Races Offered

Greatest Spectacle Challenge

Feb 14, 2026

straighten

Distance — 35.2 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:00

sell

$175.00

Mini Maniac Challenge

Feb 14, 2026

straighten

Distance — 32.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$145.00

500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy

Feb 14, 2026

straighten

Distance — 19 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$60.00

500 Festival Virtual Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy

Feb 14, 2026

straighten

Distance — 19 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$50.00

Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K

May 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:00

sell

$30.00

Mega Mini Challenge

May 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 16.2 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:00

sell

$115.00

IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

May 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 13.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for February in Indianapolis.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat -1.8° / 8.5°

wb_sunny -6.7° / 4.2°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 12.9 /

water_drop 69.6%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat -1.8° / 8.5°

wb_sunny -6.7° / 4.2°

air 12.9 km/h

water_drop 69.6%

About Indianapolis

Learn more about the host city, Indianapolis.

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and also the state’s largest city. Efforts to beautify and modernize the city have brought Indianapolis into the 21st century as a world-class destination for everything from business meetings and trade conventions to backpackers making their way across the States.