INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — The 500 Festival is suspending all planned, in-person events scheduled through May 9 to slow the spread of COVID-19 — which includes the Mini-Marathon on May 2.
People who have signed up the Mini-Marathon or the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K have three options:
Virtual Race: Complete the 2020 Indy Mini, 5K or challenges from anywhere with a virtual race. Log your results and we’ll ship your 2020 participant shirt and finisher medal right to your door. You’ll also receive $10 off your 2021 Indy Mini registration and presale access to register for a new running experience we’re hosting at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this year (date TBD).
Lend a Hand: Help the 500 Festival minimize the economic impact of these cancelations and maximize our investments in our free programs for Indiana youth by forgoing the virtual race option and the deferral option. You’ll receive $10 off your 2021 Indy Mini registration and presale access to register for a new running experience we’re hosting at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this year (date TBD).
Deferral: First two options don’t work for you? You can roll this year’s race registration to next year (if you defer to 2021 you will not receive this year’s shirt & medal). The 2021 Indy Mini is scheduled for Saturday, May 8.
“The 500 Festival recognizes the unique and challenging times that we are all facing together. May will certainly look different than the last 60+ years but with options to participate virtually or to reschedule some events to a future ate, we are confident that the future looks bright, and the things we hold dearly will continue albeit in a different form,” 500 Festival president and CEO Bob Bryant said in a statement.
The 500 Festival said there will be an opportunity for those who already registered for the Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K to run or walk the iconic track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A date has not been determined yet.
Other affected events include:
- 500 Festival Kick Off to May, presented by STAR Bank (April 29): The in-person event will not take place, but there will be an announcement will be made on how to participate virtually.
- Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day and Rookie Run (May 9): The in-person event will not take place and will be rescheduled.
- 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo (April 30 and May 1): The in-person event will not take place, but virtual goodie bags will be available.
- All 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program Study Trips at IMS (April): All in-person events will not take place. Schools will be mailed some additional materials.
The 500 Festival said the remainder of events during the month of May will be determined at a later time.