May 2 event nears sell-out as early registration deadline approaches
INDIANAPOLIS (November 25, 2008) - The 500 Festival announced today
OneAmerica Financial Partners has extended its multi-year agreement to
remain as title sponsor of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
The 33rd Running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon takes
place on May 2, 2009 and is already nearing its 35,000 participant
sell-out. Nearly 32,000 people from 48 states and 8 countries have
registered for the race.
"We are very fortunate to have the continued support and partnership of
OneAmerica. They have been a great partner of 500 Festival events and
programs, in particular the Mini-Marathon," said Kirk Hendrix, President
and CEO, 500 Festival. "Their contributions as a sponsor continue to go
above and beyond. Not only do they provide financial support which
enables us to continue to invest in Mini-Marathon programming and
development, but they provide volunteers who too are critical to our
success. OneAmerica shares our passion for the event and its
contribution to community participation."
OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc., is headquartered in Indianapolis,
IN. The companies of OneAmerica(r) can trace their solid foundations
back more than 130 years in the insurance and financial services
marketplace. OneAmerica first became title sponsor of the Mini-Marathon
in 2004. In recent years OneAmerica was awarded a Gold Pinnacle for
Best Sponsor by the International Festival and Events Association.
"Over the last 30 years, we have seen tremendous growth in the 500
Festival events that lead up to the Indianapolis 500," said Dayton H.
Molendorp, Chairman, President and CEO of OneAmerica. "Since announcing
our title sponsorship in 2004, our employees have filled more than 600
volunteer positions annually for the Mini, and approximately 80
individuals have run or walked in the event each year. That's almost
half of our Indianapolis-based work force. We've also had OneAmerica
agents and sales representatives travel to Indianapolis from states like
Arizona, Minnesota and Florida to participate."
The Mini-Marathon has grown from 800 participants in 1977 to 35,000 in
2008. Last year's race sold out on November 30, 2007. The field will
again be capped at 35,000.
"The Mini-Marathon is a great event - an international event that has
become part of the fabric of Indianapolis. The partnership between
OneAmerica, the 500 Festival, and all of our employees has truly been
mutually beneficial. OneAmerica's business is all-about long-term
relationships, so - naturally - we look forward with excitement and
anticipation to many more years of involvement with the 500 Festival and
the OneAmerica Mini-Marathon," said Molendorp.
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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