500 Festival Announces Sponsor, Celebrity
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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 says an Indianapolis company has extended a longtime sponsorship agreement and a well-known entertainer will particpate in the Mini-Marathon. The Finish Line Inc. (Nasdaq: FINL) will once again be title sponsor of the annual 5K race and Olivia Newton-John will lead a charity walk as part of Mini festivities in May. February 3, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The 500 Festival announced today that The Finish Line, Inc. has renewed a multi-year partnership with the organization including title sponsorship of the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K through 2017.
The upcoming 2014 race marks Finish Line's 14th year as the title sponsor. They have been the sole title sponsor since the 5K inception in 2000. In addition to the 5K race, the contract extension includes sponsorship of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, of which Finish Line has been an associate sponsor for 17 years. As part of the agreement, Finish Line provides 42,000 bags for the Mini-Marathon Expo & 42,000 bags for Runner Services on race day.
In addition to inking the Finish Line contract, the 500 Festival has solidified a number of other Mini-Marathon sponsor agreements including:
-Franciscan St. Francis Health, who is entering their 29th year as a partner with the Mini-Marathon, has committed through 2016. Among other support, the organization donates 42,000 cookies for Runner Services after the race.
-Chevy has committed to being the Official Timing Vehicle of the Mini-Marathon through 2015. The Central Indiana Chevy Dealers have been supporters of the Mini-Marathon since 2010.
-Gatorade Endurance has extended their contract as the Official Sports Performance Beverage of the Mini-Marathon through 2016. Gatorade has been a partner of the Mini-Marathon for 13 years. They also provide five pit stations along the Mini and 5K course that use more than 11,000 gallons of Gatorade Endurance Formula.
“We are fortunate to have the generous support of these longstanding partners,” said Bob Bryant, President and CEO, 500 Festival. “Producing a world-class running event requires world-class partners and we are thrilled to have such a lineup of supporters that share with us a commitment to excellence and in providing our communities with a platform for health and fitness.”
“With participants from across the globe, including a majority from our own hometown, Finish Line is proud to be involved with these 500 Festival events,” said Glenn Lyon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Finish Line. “As a retailer of premium, athletic and sport-inspired shoes and apparel, it’s exciting to be involved with events where so many people are working to be fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Registration for the 2014 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K is currently open. For more information or to make the commitment for 2014, visit www.IndyMini.com. The 38th running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will kick off in the streets of downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, May 3. With 35,000 participants, the Mini is the nation’s largest half-marathon – it's a Hoosier favorite, with roughly 75 percent of the field from Indiana, but also a global attraction, with participants from 48 states and 13 countries.
The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 57 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana.
January 31, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On May 3rd, 2014, the Pink and Blue for Two (PB42) breast and prostate cancer awareness charity, will be joining forces with the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. PB42 will lead a “walk within the Mini” to help promote and raise awareness for their organization.
Classically known for her role as Sandy in “Grease,” Olivia Newton-John will lead the “walk within the Mini.” Olivia is Pink and Blue for Two's primary Ambassador and is a breast cancer “thriver,” who happens to be the aunt of the charity's Co-Founder and racecar driver, Emerson Newton-John. Emerson and Christopher Perry, managing partner of Foyt Family Wines, co-founded Pink and Blue for Two last year.
“The 500 Festival has a great history of providing charities with an opportunity to raise funds through participation in the Mini-Marathon. We are particularly excited to continue that tradition by supporting the PB42 organization with a unique platform for their first ever awareness walk,” said Bob Bryant, President and CEO, 500 Festival, “we are thrilled to once again welcome Olivia Newton-John to Indianapolis as a participant in the nation’s largest half marathon. As a past Grand Marshal of the IPL 500 Festival Parade, we know she is a highly regarded and well-liked figure here in Indianapolis and we are delighted to help her generate awareness for the importance of breast cancer and prostate cancer screening via the PB42 organization. This year's Mini is sure to be one of the most fun ever as all Hoosiers look ahead to warmer days.”
Pink and Blue for Two's mission is threefold: to raise awareness of the striking similarities between breast and prostate cancers, get couples to remind one another to do their annual screenings, and educate people on wellness – mind, body and spirit.
“We are excited to be partnering with the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. It is an honor to be a part of the 500 Festival,” said Emerson Newton-John. “The primary goal of this walk is to raise much needed awareness for breast and prostate cancer, as well as funds to help implement the many awareness initiatives that PB42 has in place. Although it is imperative to raise money towards a cure, an equal focus needs to be placed on the importance of early detection, which can lead to a 96 percent survival rate.”
Those who want the chance to walk with the Newton-John's and support this unique cause will be able to sign up at www.IndyMini.com.
The 38th running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will kick off in the streets of downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, May 3. With 35,000 participants, the Mini is the nation’s largest half-marathon – it's a Hoosier favorite, with roughly 75 percent of the field from Indiana, but also a global attraction, with participants from 48 states and 13 countries.
The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 57 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana.
Source: 500 Festival Inc.