Indy Mini Marathon 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is one of the largest and most iconic half marathons in the country. Downtown energy, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience, the Gold Mile tribute, and a massive post-race celebration make this a signature event in the Midwest running calendar.

In 2026, the race celebrates its 50th running on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Below is your complete guide to race weekend - dates, start times, expo logistics, parking strategy, course highlights, and how Athletic Annex is involved throughout the week.

Race Weekend Schedule

Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K

• 7:00 AM - USATF 5K Championship Men
• 7:02 AM - USATF 5K Championship Women
• 7:05 AM - 5K Start

IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

• 7:35 AM - Athletes with Disabilities
• 7:40 AM - Wave 1
• 7:50 AM - Wave 2
• 8:00 AM - Wave 3
• 8:10 AM - Wave 4

Full schedule details including Shakeout Run and Recovery Run are available here: Official Schedule of Events + RSVP Links

Official Shakeout Run Presented by Athletic Annex

One of the highlights of race week is the Official Shakeout Run presented by Athletic Annex.

• Wednesday, April 29, 2026
• 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Centerpoint Brewing
• Free 30-minute run or walk

This is your chance to loosen up before race day, connect with other runners, and celebrate the 50th running of the Mini.

Important: RSVP links are hosted on the official schedule page: View Shakeout + Recovery Run RSVP Information

Athletic Annex will also be involved in the Recovery Run on Sunday, May 3, giving runners a structured way to move and recover after race day.

Expo and Packet Pickup

All runners must pick up race materials at the Expo:

• Indiana Convention Center - Hall A
• Thursday, April 30: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Friday, May 1: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Plan ahead. Downtown gets busy. Bring your bib number and photo ID.

Course Highlights

The Indy Mini course blends downtown Indianapolis with one of the most unique race segments in the country - a lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Around mile 6, runners enter the Gold Mile tribute section on the IMS backstretch, honoring fallen service members and Gold Star families.

Pacers are available across a wide range of goal times, helping runners target anything from aggressive PR attempts to first-time finishes.

Race Day Nutrition Strategy

The Mini is large, fast, and competitive. That means nutrition matters.

If you are running the 13.1 mile event, we strongly recommend dialing in your fueling plan ahead of time. Review our complete guide here: Half Marathon - Your Complete Race Day Nutrition Guide .

Key reminders:

• Eat a carbohydrate-focused breakfast 2-3 hours before the start
• Use gels or chews every 30-40 minutes
• Practice with the exact product you will use on race day
• Hydrate early, not late

If you need help choosing fuel, stop by any Athletic Annex location before race week. Our team can help you build a race-day nutrition kit that works for your pace and stomach.

Parking and Logistics

Downtown Indianapolis offers over 70,000 parking spaces, but the closest garages fill quickly. Arrive early and review street closures ahead of time.

Parking details: Official Parking and Street Closure Information

Post Race Party

Celebrate your finish at Military Park. The official post race party runs from 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM and serves as the main reunion area for runners and families.

Visit Athletic Annex Before Race Day

Whether you need race shoes, socks, gels, or last-minute adjustments, visit one of our locations:

• Nora
• Carmel
• Fishers