Aquafina to supply recycling kiosks at 2009 event
INDIANAPOLIS (November 18, 2008) – The 500 Festival announced today a new recycling effort for the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K with the help of Aquafina. The Aquafina Green Team will be on hand to provide recycling kiosks and support staff at the Mini-Marathon finish line and at the Post Race Party in Military Park. The recycling kiosks will be used to collect water bottles from participants as well as any plastic cups or aluminum cans.
“This year, we are not only promoting healthy lifestyles through the race but also a healthy environment with Aquafina’s help,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO of the 500 Festival.
At the 2008 Mini-Marathon and 5K events, approximately 60,000 bottles of water were distributed throughout the weekend. The Aquafina recycling kiosks stand six-feet tall and hold up to 2,700 plastic bottles each. They will be deployed in high-traffic areas.
“We’re excited to partner with the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon for the tenth straight year,” said Stephanie Lloyd, a marketing manager for PepsiAmericas, Inc., which bottles Aquafina in Indianapolis. “Not only are we pleased to provide Aquafina, but we’re committed to promoting healthier communities and healthier environments. Part of that commitment is properly collecting and recycling all the empty beverage containers at the event to keep them out of our landfills.”
Registration for the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival-Mini Marathon is still on a record pace. To date, close to 30,000 people have registered making the May 2, 2009, event 85% full. Last year’s race sold out on November 30, 2007. The field will again be capped at 35,000.
Early registration is available now through November 30 for $50. Beginning December 1, the registration fee reverts to its regular rate of $70. Registration is available online at www.500festival.com. Registration is also available online for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5k for the early registration fee of $25 until November 30. The registration fee is $30 November 31 through March 31. Registration will close on the date the maximum field of 4,000 is reached.
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. These events and programs, produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational, and social benefits to the world.
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 52 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.
Last year, nearly 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were 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 were there, celebrating the legacy.
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