500 Festival Mini-Marathon

We had two photographers on the scene to capture images from the two events that kick-start the events leading up to Indianapolis 500.

Four months ago, I began training for an Indianapolis Mini Marathon that never happened. But sticking with the workouts became my way of outrunning the pandemic.

The Mini folks charitably call it the “back-of-the-pack bus,” but The Hoosierist prefers its unofficial title: the meat wagon.

Consider this a comedic call to arms.

Well, that depends on who you are. Draft the right guy by consulting our handy chart.

There’s something about running along the Canal that makes me want to give everyone I see a big thumbs-up.

There’s a lot more to the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon than running.

If you can carry on a conversation while you’re running along, you’re not going too hard.

Browse the photo gallery of shoes from Saturday’s race.

How to dress up dark denim, your Mini shoe to buy now, and a limited-edition Naptown Roller Girls tee that will disappear fast.

The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon came and went (quickly!) this past Saturday, May 5. Runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers took to the city’s downtown and near-westside streets, pounding the ground for competition, for personal health, for charity, and with the intent, for some, of clocking personal-best times.

What makes this Columbus institution really sweet is the counter-side charm of Wilma Hare and her fellow soda jerks, who will pull you an ice cream soda the way it was in 1900 and serve it with a side of sass: “When that ice cream hits the carbonation, it will explode like a volcano. And I will laugh at the look of panic on your face.”