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INDIANAPOLIS (March 8, 2008) – The 500 Festival announced today due to the popularity of the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K, the field for the event will expand to 4,000. Last year the race sold out with 3,500 entries in record time. Due to increased interest in the family event the field will increase by 500 positions.
“The interest in the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K has been overwhelming and we are happy to able to give more people an opportunity to participate in this great family event,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We have studied the course and are confident we can safely accommodate another 500 people and provide them the same great experience.”
The 500 Festival urges those still interested in participating in the race to register now by going to www.500festival.com. Participants will run 3.1 miles while the 2008 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participants will run 13.1 miles. The Finish Line 500 Festival 5K will start at approximately 8:25 a.m. EDT, following the start of the Mini-Marathon and clearance of its 35,000 person start line. The course includes scenic White River State Park, on the western edge of downtown Indianapolis in addition to entertainment groups and spirit squads interspersed between the 5K and Mini-Marathon course. The race will carry a 56-minute time limit for completion.
The 5K utilizes the same start line and finish line as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The start of the 5K will be approximately 55 minutes following the start of the Mini-Marathon.
Runners and walkers in the 5K receive many of the same benefits as the participants in the Mini-Marathon, including:
- Water stations (pit areas) and Gatorade stations on the course
- Entertainment along the course
- Exclusive packet pick-up area at the Expo & Packet Pick-Up
- A finisher’s medal
- A complimentary opening day ticket for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 4
- A short-sleeved 2008 Finish Line 500 Festival 5K T-shirt
- A post-race celebration in the Rest and Recovery area
- All 5K race participants are invited to the post-race party at Military Park
The 32nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K will get underway May 1-2 with the Expo and Packet Pick-Up in Halls A&B of the Indiana Convention Center, followed by the Mini-Marinarathon on Friday, May 2 at the Westin Hotel, downtown Indianapolis. The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will begin at 7:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday, May 3, followed immediately by the start of the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K.
Mini-Marinarathon: A Pasta Celebration
Tickets are available now for the 2008 Mini-Marinarathon! Join us for this high energy pasta party the night before the Mini-Marathon. Tickets are just $22 and include a buffet style dinner including pasta, salad, dessert and live music from Cousin Roger. The Mini-Marinarathon takes place at the Westin, the official hotel of the Mini-Marathon. To purchase tickets call (317) 614-6114.
Over the past 50 years, the 500 Festival, a not-for-profit organization, has grown to become one of the nation’s largest festivals. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests.
Annually, the 500 Festival presents nearly 50 events and programs, touching over 500,000 lives. Produced largely by volunteers, these events and programs enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational and social benefits to the world. Whether they are athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they are there, celebrating the legacy of 50 years of community spirit.
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