500 Festival KidsFit Program

The 500 Festival KidsFit Program gets Indiana kids moving while teaching them how to pursue a healthy lifestyle. This free, customizable program is designed for kids in grades K-6 and is available to schools and groups. KidsFit meets the Indiana Department of Education’s Indiana State Academic Standards for Health and Physical Education.

KidsFit participants complete weekly lessons (with an Indy 500 theme) and run or walk one mile using the “Start Your Engines” running plan. By the end of the program, kids will have completed 13.1 miles – the equivalent distance of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! Register your class or group for the KidsFit Program and you’ll receive: the KidsFit curriculum and lesson ideas; the “Start Your Engines” running plan; a group incentive chart for participants to log their miles and completion certificates for all kids.

2023 Program Registration

We’d love for your students to join us this upcoming spring, joining thousands of Hoosier kids getting active! Registration for the 2023 500 Festival KidsFit Program is now OPEN and there is no cost to participate. Once registered for the program, you will begin receiving communication about program materials and other program information. Use the button below to register your classroom or group today!

The KidsFit Program Includes:

The 500 Festival KidsFit Program Final 5K

The 500 Festival KidsFit Program Final 5K is the culmination of the KidsFit Program! The program's Final 5K occurs on the morning of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, where participants in grades 4 - 6 are invited to Indianapolis to finish their final 3.1 miles in their own wave of the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K. Students will finish at the same finish line as the 35,000 participants who run the Mini-Marathon each year, complete with grandstands filled with cheering fans and families. KidsFit participants receive a discounted entry as well as a shirt, medal, a trip through runner services, and an experience they’ll never forget! Schools or groups must be registered for the 2023 KidsFit Program to be eligible for the Final 5K.

KidsFit Program Materials

Once your classroom or group has registered, you will receive the following materials based on the grade level(s) of your students.

Classrooms and Groups in Grades K-3 receive:

Customizable 12-week Program Curriculum, including ideas for lessons and activities
Start Your Engines Running Plan - created just for kids!
Printable Classroom incentive charts for students to track their progress
Printable KidsFit Program completion certificates
Resources to help you plan and execute your final run

Classrooms and Groups in Grades 4-6 receive:

Customizable 10-week Program Curriculum, including activities and lesson ideas
Start Your Engines Running Plan - created just for kids!
Printable classroom incentive charts for students to track their progress
Printable KidsFit Program completion certificates
Resources to help you plan and execute your own 5K

Additional KidsFit Curriculum Info

“The 500 Festival Education Program and KidsFit are engaging Indiana standards-based programs that are easy for teachers to implement while providing fun, interactive learning experiences for students.” - Paige G., Educational Consultant for the 500 Festival

“This program is amazing! I think all the activities are relevant to the students, their ability level and to current trends in physical education. I really like the connections each lesson makes to what is going on at the Indy 500 and to fitness." - Andrea M., Fishers Junior High Wellness Department Chair

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can participate?

How does the KidsFit Program work?

How do I receive the curriculum?

As an educator or group leader, what do I need to teach the KidsFit Program?

Is there a cost to participate in the KidsFit Program?

What do students receive for completing the 500 Festival KidsFit Program?

Contact Us

Have questions about the KidsFit Program? Want to send us your classroom or group photos or share feedback about the program? We would love to chat! Feel free to reach out to us.

Jamie Stremming | jstremming@500festival.com

YOUTH FITNESS CORNERSTONE PARTNERS