500 Festival Mini-Marathon 2026: Runner's Guide
Updated March 7, 2026
The 50th running of the largest half-marathon in the United States.
Race day: Saturday, May 2, 2026 · 7:35 AM first wave · Full event info
2026 is the 50th running of the Indy Mini. Since 1977, more than 20,000 runners have toed the line in downtown Indianapolis every May — representing all 50 states and 16+ countries. The course has earned "America's Best Half Marathon" from USA Today's 10Best and "America's Most Iconic Race" from Runner's World. The reason: 2.5 miles on the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where you can kiss the bricks at the Yard of Bricks finish line. There is nothing else like it in road racing.
Race Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Distance
13.1 miles (includes IMS lap)
Participants
~35,000
Packet Pickup
Indiana Convention Center, May 1
Start/Finish
Downtown Indianapolis
Weather
Early May — dress in layers, rain possible
Race Weekend Schedule
Wednesday, April 29
Shakeout Run at Centerpoint Brewing, 6:00–9:00 PM. Free 30-minute run/walk — a drink ticket is included for 21+ participants. A casual way to shake out the legs, meet fellow runners, and get a feel for downtown Indianapolis before race weekend.
Shakeout Run at Centerpoint Brewing, 6:00–9:00 PM. Free 30-minute run/walk — a drink ticket is included for 21+ participants. A casual way to shake out the legs, meet fellow runners, and get a feel for downtown Indianapolis before race weekend.
Thursday, April 30 — Expo Opens
Expo & Packet Pickup at Indiana Convention Center, Hall A — 4:00–8:00 PM. Pick up your bib, timing device, participant shirt, and gear check bag. The expo runs Thursday and Friday — Thursday evening is the least crowded option.
Expo & Packet Pickup at Indiana Convention Center, Hall A — 4:00–8:00 PM. Pick up your bib, timing device, participant shirt, and gear check bag. The expo runs Thursday and Friday — Thursday evening is the least crowded option.
Friday, May 1 — Last Day for Packet Pickup
Expo & Packet Pickup at Indiana Convention Center, Hall A — 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. The expo is at peak energy on Friday afternoon. Gear, vendor booths, and a good pre-race atmosphere.
Expo & Packet Pickup at Indiana Convention Center, Hall A — 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. The expo is at peak energy on Friday afternoon. Gear, vendor booths, and a good pre-race atmosphere.
Saturday, May 2 — Race Day
Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K — 7:00 AM start (Washington Street)
IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon:
Athletes with Disabilities: 7:35 AM
Wave 1: 7:40 AM · Wave 2: 7:50 AM · Wave 3: 8:00 AM · Wave 4: 8:10 AM
Post-Race Party at Military Park — 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (free for participants)
Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K — 7:00 AM start (Washington Street)
IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon:
Athletes with Disabilities: 7:35 AM
Wave 1: 7:40 AM · Wave 2: 7:50 AM · Wave 3: 8:00 AM · Wave 4: 8:10 AM
Post-Race Party at Military Park — 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (free for participants)
Sunday, May 3
Recovery Run — 7:00–11:00 AM. A 30-minute run/walk hosted by Athletic Annex and Red Bull, followed by bagels, coffee, and yoga. A gentle way to keep your legs moving after the race.
Recovery Run — 7:00–11:00 AM. A 30-minute run/walk hosted by Athletic Annex and Red Bull, followed by bagels, coffee, and yoga. A gentle way to keep your legs moving after the race.
Packet Pickup — Do Not Skip This
Bibs and race materials cannot be picked up on race day. You must go to the expo at the Indiana Convention Center, Hall A, on Thursday evening or Friday. This is non-negotiable — if you don't pick up your packet, you can't race.
What you'll pick up
Race bib, timing chip/device, participant shirt, and a gear check bag (you can drop gear at the start line and collect it post-race at Military Park).
Race bib, timing chip/device, participant shirt, and a gear check bag (you can drop gear at the start line and collect it post-race at Military Park).
Thursday evening is the better choice
Thursday (4–8 PM) is less crowded than Friday afternoon. If you're arriving in Indianapolis Thursday, go straight to the expo before dinner. Friday gets busy, especially in the afternoon.
Thursday (4–8 PM) is less crowded than Friday afternoon. If you're arriving in Indianapolis Thursday, go straight to the expo before dinner. Friday gets busy, especially in the afternoon.
The expo is worth exploring
Running gear vendors, nutrition brands, and race merchandise fill the hall. Budget time to browse — and budget money, because the Indy Mini merchandise goes fast.
Running gear vendors, nutrition brands, and race merchandise fill the hall. Budget time to browse — and budget money, because the Indy Mini merchandise goes fast.
The Course
13.1 miles. Flat and fast. The course winds through downtown Indianapolis before heading west to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The IMS loop is 2.5 miles around the oval — there is nothing like it in American road racing.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway lap
Miles 6–8 take you inside the Brickyard. You'll run on the same oval surface where the Indianapolis 500 is held. The grandstands are empty and the quiet is striking. At the Yard of Bricks — the finish line of the Indianapolis 500, embedded in the track — runners traditionally stop to kiss the bricks. Don't skip it: it's a once-in-a-race experience.
Miles 6–8 take you inside the Brickyard. You'll run on the same oval surface where the Indianapolis 500 is held. The grandstands are empty and the quiet is striking. At the Yard of Bricks — the finish line of the Indianapolis 500, embedded in the track — runners traditionally stop to kiss the bricks. Don't skip it: it's a once-in-a-race experience.
Entertainment along the way
More than 100 entertainment acts are stationed along the course — bands, cheer squads, and spectators line the route all the way from downtown to IMS and back. The energy carries you through the middle miles.
More than 100 entertainment acts are stationed along the course — bands, cheer squads, and spectators line the route all the way from downtown to IMS and back. The energy carries you through the middle miles.
Flat and PR-friendly
The elevation change is minimal. If you're chasing a half-marathon personal record, this is one of the better courses in the country for it. Aim for Wave 1 or 2 if you have a goal time.
The elevation change is minimal. If you're chasing a half-marathon personal record, this is one of the better courses in the country for it. Aim for Wave 1 or 2 if you have a goal time.
Finish at Military Park
The race finishes at Military Park in White River State Park — not at the start line. The gear check and post-race party are both at Military Park. Plan your logistics accordingly.
The race finishes at Military Park in White River State Park — not at the start line. The gear check and post-race party are both at Military Park. Plan your logistics accordingly.
Race Morning Logistics
Road closures begin before 6 AM. The course runs through downtown and out to Speedway, Indiana. If you are driving to the start, plan to arrive well before 6:30 AM or park in an unaffected garage the night before. Walking or ridesharing from a nearby hotel is far easier.
Start line area
The race starts on Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. Corrals are assigned by wave — find yours early. Gear check bags can be dropped at the start line and collected at the Military Park finish.
The race starts on Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. Corrals are assigned by wave — find yours early. Gear check bags can be dropped at the start line and collected at the Military Park finish.
Parking strategy
The best approach: stay downtown and walk to the start. If you're driving in, the Pan Am Plaza Garage and Circle Centre Garage are close to the start — arrive by 5:45 AM before the closures affect access. Don't rely on street parking.
The best approach: stay downtown and walk to the start. If you're driving in, the Pan Am Plaza Garage and Circle Centre Garage are close to the start — arrive by 5:45 AM before the closures affect access. Don't rely on street parking.
Weather
May 2 in Indianapolis averages 55–65°F with a chance of rain. Race organizers say dress for conditions you'll be comfortable running in at mile 6, not standing at the start. A throwaway layer at the start line and dry clothes at gear check are smart choices.
May 2 in Indianapolis averages 55–65°F with a chance of rain. Race organizers say dress for conditions you'll be comfortable running in at mile 6, not standing at the start. A throwaway layer at the start line and dry clothes at gear check are smart choices.
The 5K and Mini start at the same place
The 5K (7:00 AM) and the Mini-Marathon (7:35 AM+) both start on Washington Street. If your group is split between events, plan your meetup point at Military Park after both races finish.
The 5K (7:00 AM) and the Mini-Marathon (7:35 AM+) both start on Washington Street. If your group is split between events, plan your meetup point at Military Park after both races finish.
For Spectators
Following a runner on race day takes planning — road closures make moving around downtown difficult. Pick two spots and stay put. The race is well-attended, so popular corners get crowded quickly.
Best spectator spots
• Monument Circle — Early miles, high energy, easy to get to
• Meridian Street (miles 2–4) — Longer stretch to see runners pass
• Military Park finish area — See your runner come in and join the post-race party
• Outside the IMS gates — A unique vantage for the Speedway segment (not inside the track during the race)
• Monument Circle — Early miles, high energy, easy to get to
• Meridian Street (miles 2–4) — Longer stretch to see runners pass
• Military Park finish area — See your runner come in and join the post-race party
• Outside the IMS gates — A unique vantage for the Speedway segment (not inside the track during the race)
Track your runner
The Indy Mini app provides live runner tracking. Download it before race morning. Knowing your runner's wave and estimated pace makes positioning much easier.
The Indy Mini app provides live runner tracking. Download it before race morning. Knowing your runner's wave and estimated pace makes positioning much easier.
Plan your morning
Breakfast spots near Monument Circle open early on race day. Cafe Patachou and Yolk are both close and open by 7 AM. Grab breakfast, cheer at the Circle for Wave 1, then make your way to Military Park to see the finish.
Breakfast spots near Monument Circle open early on race day. Cafe Patachou and Yolk are both close and open by 7 AM. Grab breakfast, cheer at the Circle for Wave 1, then make your way to Military Park to see the finish.
Where to Eat
Friday Night: The Carb-Load
The night before a half-marathon, runners want pasta, bread, and easy-to-digest food. Downtown Indianapolis has plenty of options — but Friday night before the Mini is one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year. Book reservations early.
The Old Spaghetti Factory — $ · 5 min walk from ICC
A Mini-Marathon tradition. Affordable pasta in big portions, family-friendly, and conveniently located. Don't try to walk in without a plan — the wait on Friday can hit 90 minutes. Go early (5 PM) or reserve ahead.
A Mini-Marathon tradition. Affordable pasta in big portions, family-friendly, and conveniently located. Don't try to walk in without a plan — the wait on Friday can hit 90 minutes. Go early (5 PM) or reserve ahead.
The Rathskeller — $$ · 12 min walk
German food with a big carb selection. The biergarten is a relaxed way to spend Friday evening before the race. Takes reservations — book a few weeks out.
German food with a big carb selection. The biergarten is a relaxed way to spend Friday evening before the race. Takes reservations — book a few weeks out.
BRU Burger Bar — $$ · Mass Ave
Gourmet burgers work fine as a pre-race meal. Quick service, reliable food, and the walk to Mass Ave gets you away from the Convention Center crowds on Friday evening.
Gourmet burgers work fine as a pre-race meal. Quick service, reliable food, and the walk to Mass Ave gets you away from the Convention Center crowds on Friday evening.
Race Morning Breakfast
Early start means early breakfast. These spots open early enough for a pre-race meal, or grab something the night before from a grocery store if you prefer to eat at the hotel.
Cafe Patachou — Opens early, 5 min walk from the start area. Indy's most beloved breakfast spot. Get there by 6 AM or grab a pastry to go.
Yolk — Creative breakfast on Monument Circle, opens early on race weekend. Expect a line — plan 45 minutes if you're sitting down.
Hotel breakfast — For early wave runners, hotel breakfast buffets are the most convenient option — no commute, familiar food, done by 6:15 AM.
Post-Race: You've Earned It
After 13.1 miles and a kiss at the bricks, the post-race party at Military Park has food and drinks — but if you want a real meal, these spots are worth the extra walk.
Yard House — Wide menu, good beer selection, large group-friendly. A popular post-race stop.
Punch Bowl Social — Food, drinks, and bowling. The right energy for a post-race celebration with your group.
BRU Burger Bar — A big burger after a half-marathon is deeply satisfying. One of the better post-race meals in the neighborhood.
Restaurants around Military Park open early on race day — the neighborhood is ready for 20,000 hungry runners. Walk a few blocks from the finish rather than fighting for a table at the first place you see.
Hotels
Staying downtown is the move for the Indy Mini. You're walking distance from packet pickup at the Convention Center on Friday, and walking distance to the start line on race morning — no car, no parking headaches, no road-closure chaos.
Book as early as possible
Mini-Marathon weekend is one of the biggest hotel weekends of the year in Indianapolis. Downtown hotels sell out months in advance. If you haven't booked, act now. The 500 Festival website sometimes has a housing link with discounted rates for registered runners — check IndyMini.com.
Mini-Marathon weekend is one of the biggest hotel weekends of the year in Indianapolis. Downtown hotels sell out months in advance. If you haven't booked, act now. The 500 Festival website sometimes has a housing link with discounted rates for registered runners — check IndyMini.com.
Skywalk-connected hotels
Several downtown hotels connect to the Indiana Convention Center via the indoor skywalk — convenient for Thursday/Friday expo visits without going outside. The JW Marriott, Marriott Downtown, Westin, and Hyatt Regency all have skywalk access. Full guide: Indianapolis Skywalk Guide.
Several downtown hotels connect to the Indiana Convention Center via the indoor skywalk — convenient for Thursday/Friday expo visits without going outside. The JW Marriott, Marriott Downtown, Westin, and Hyatt Regency all have skywalk access. Full guide: Indianapolis Skywalk Guide.
If downtown is sold out
Hotels in Speedway (adjacent to IMS) and along the US-136 corridor are a short rideshare from the start line. Broad Ripple hotels are 15 minutes and typically have availability when downtown is full.
Hotels in Speedway (adjacent to IMS) and along the US-136 corridor are a short rideshare from the start line. Broad Ripple hotels are 15 minutes and typically have availability when downtown is full.
Post-Race & Sunday Recovery
Post-Race Party at Military Park — Saturday, 7 AM–2 PM
Free for all registered participants. Food, drinks, massages, entertainment, and merchandise. The American Dairy Association runs a Refuel & Rejuvenation Area. The party winds down by early afternoon — enjoy it while you can.
Free for all registered participants. Food, drinks, massages, entertainment, and merchandise. The American Dairy Association runs a Refuel & Rejuvenation Area. The party winds down by early afternoon — enjoy it while you can.
Recovery Run — Sunday, May 3, 7–11 AM
Hosted by Athletic Annex and Red Bull. A 30-minute easy run/walk followed by bagels, coffee, and yoga. Running the day after a half-marathon helps your legs recover faster. Your body will thank you Monday.
Hosted by Athletic Annex and Red Bull. A 30-minute easy run/walk followed by bagels, coffee, and yoga. Running the day after a half-marathon helps your legs recover faster. Your body will thank you Monday.
Extra time in Indianapolis?
The Indy 500 is three weeks away — check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (open daily) for a closer look at the track where you just ran. Or explore Mass Ave at a relaxed Saturday pace.
The Indy 500 is three weeks away — check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (open daily) for a closer look at the track where you just ran. Or explore Mass Ave at a relaxed Saturday pace.