The Indianapolis 500 One America Mini Marathon, is one of those races you just have to do at least once in your life.  It is the largest 13.1 race in the United States, and is held at the beginning of May every year prior as one of the premiere events prior to the big race itself.  Traditionally entrants are limited to the first 35,000 people to sign up for the race.

It is the race that propelled our family bonding.  We train together, race together (not all at the same pace), and we celebrate our finish together.  There are bands that play along the course route, and many line the sidelines to cheer the runners on.  It is an interesting time that many can enjoy, even as a family.

There is so much to the Indy 500 One American Mini Marathon:

1. Great Deals – The expo held during packet pick up is a great place to find bargains on running shoes and running equipment.  Lots of vendors and brands are represented at this race offering pricing deals hard to find in the regular retail store.  We even found deals that beat online pricing plus we saved on shipping.
2. Entertainment – Bands are stationed along the way, so there is no real need for you to run with an ipod.  The entertainment helps pass the miles.
3. Anyone can run.  Participants ranged from all ages to all types of body sizes, from elite runners to the novice beginners.  The best thing is that the crowds cheer you on whether you are the first to complete the race or the last to cross the line.
4. Positive Energy – Spectators as well as fellow participants bring such a lively vibe to the race prior, during and after that is hard not to get caught up in the fun.
5. Historic Track – So much history is behind one of the greatest spectacles on earth and you can see some of that during your run into the track at the Indianpolis Motor Speedway.  There is nothing like crossing the same yard of bricks that legends such as Davey Allison, Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt, Tony Stewart, Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon and many others have crossed and it is a memory that you can carry with you and share with family and friends.
6. Efforts Rewarded – Young or old, fast or slow, everyone get a medal at the finish of the race.  It is a great keepsake for finishing a physically taxing and emotionally draining race.
7. Great Atmosphere – After the race participants, their friends and family gather in the park and take in all the excitement of the day.  There is food, fun, and festivities for all ages. Our oldest finished the race well ahead of us and waited in the park for the rest of us to finish.  She appeared cold and someone with a new shirt gave it to her so she wasn’t cold anymore.  The energy of the people and the place is infectious, soon you find yourself signing up to do it all again.
8. Support - Many of the local running clubs and running stores offer training runs free of charge to help you get ready for the race.  It is a good place to take advantage of learning tips and tricks to help get you through the race.
9. Gear Check - It may start off cool at the beginning of the day, but you may not want or have the capacity to bring everything with you on the run.  There are gear lockers for all participants to utilize.
10. Great Family Experience - The atmosphere is down to earth and people are very friendly providing a great activity for families to do together.