Indy’s 500 Festival Races to Go Virtual for 2021
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe 500 Festival is planning to fully transition the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 500 Festival 5K to virtual events for 2021. The nonprofit says it worked closely with health officials, medical experts, and community leaders to create plans that will promote the safety of all participants, volunteers and staff.
The festival says registered participants will receive additional details regarding participation options.
“Like all of our Indy Mini participants, volunteers, and spectators, we were eager, hopeful, and excited to return to the traditional OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon experience this year,” said Bob Bryant, president of the 500 Festival. “We will continue to work on the remaining 500 Festival month of May activities and look forward to participating in the events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway culminating with the Indy 500.”
The Virtual Indy Mini race experience will include:
- A custom race package including distance-specific finisher gear, runner’s service items, and much more, delivered to participants
- Virtual resources, including digital bibs, finisher certificates, and access to a virtual participant-only Facebook group
- The new Indy Mini app that serves as a center for GPS tracking, race results, announcements, and real-time spectator tracking
- An interactive and virtual health & fitness Expo
“This past year has taught us the importance of adapting to new situations and celebrating the experiences that bring us joy,” said Jen Pittman, OneAmerica vice president enterprise communications and community affairs. “While a virtual race is different than an in-person race experience, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon still allows us to share in the excitement of individual triumphs and be a part of a larger community celebration.”
The nonprofit says the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the largest fundraiser for the entire festival.