Run Fast Like Futsum
Futsum Zienasellassie and Meb Keflezighi have teamed up to set the pace for the
2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. As the official Pacesetters for this year’s Indy Mini, the duo are challenging the community to register and finish America’s Best Half Marathon faster than 2:12.43 - a combination of Meb’s Indy Mini PR (1:10:59) and Futsum’s Half Marathon PR (1:01.44). The 500 Festival will donate $1 towards Futsum’s Olympic support for every Indy Mini participant that finishes faster than the duo’s combined time.
Get to Know Futsum
Futsum Zienasellassie is an Eritrean-born American long distance runner, two time US Olympic Trials Qualifier and recently won his first USA National Title, winning the 2019 USATF 10 Mile Championship. After living in his native country of Eritrea, Futsum and some of his siblings joined his father in the U.S. at the age of 11. He attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, where he was a seven-time state champion. He is aiming to make the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in the 10,000 meters.
“I am proud to team up with Meb to serve as the official Pacesetter for the 2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon – an event that is so meaningful to Hoosiers,” said Zienasellassie. “The people of Indiana have truly embraced me throughout my running career. To have the support of the 500 Festival and Indy Mini participants, it’s truly meaningful. I hope that we can inspire Hoosiers to make the commitment to participate in the 2020 Indy Mini just as they have inspired me to do my best at the Olympic Trials.”