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INDIANAPOLIS (April 25, 2008) – With the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon just one week away, the 500 Festival is preparing for not one, but two events. The 500 Festival is giving soldiers currently deployed overseas the chance to participate in a special remote Mini-Marathon. Soldiers from the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team currently deployed at LSA Anaconda/Balad Air Force Base will be able to participate in a special remote version of the 2008 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Mini-Marathon and remote version will take place Saturday, May 3. The event is designed for troops who would like to participate but are unable, due to their tour of duty in Iraq.
In 2007, over 800 members of the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Division Support Command participated in a remote version of the Mini-Marathon in Baghdad. In 2004, the 500 Festival responded to a request from the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division to stage a remote Mini-Marathon in Bosnia. The race was successful with more than 500 participants who received everything from finisher’s medals to new socks for the race, courtesy of Mini-Marathon sponsors. The following year the remote Mini-Marathon took place in Afghanistan under the auspices of the 76th Brigade Combat Team.
“Since the 500 Festival’s inception in 1957, the National Guard has had an integral part in our events and programs,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Allowing the troops who are currently serving abroad allows us to not only bring a piece of home to them, but to also say thank you.”
Troops participating in the remote version of the Mini-Marathon will have many of the same amenities as participants in Indianapolis on May 3 will have. Entries for the participants are being provided courtesy of 500 Festival Mini-Marathon sponsors including OneAmerica, Finish Line, Marsh, St. Francis and Subway. The 500 Festival is also providing a Mini-Marathon kit which will include an official start line banner and new timing and scoring chips.
Additional information concerning the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon can be found by going to www.500festival.com.
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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