Ambassadors

Meet the 2023 Indy Mini Ambassadors!

Our Indy Mini Ambassadors are an incredible, diverse group of runners and walkers offer encouragement, inclusivity, motivation, and inspiration to others as they represent and promote the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Ambassadors get others excited about the Indy Mini on social media and their network of friends and family by sharing their passion for running/walking, inspiring others to pursue a healthy lifestyle demonstrating leadership, and having fun!

Aaron Lloyd

A three time runner of the Indy Mini and two other half marathons, I reside in Fort Wayne, IN with my wife and cat. As well as running, I am also an avid hiker and my dream is to hike in all of the National Parks in the United States with my wife and my friends.

Anna Mundy

Hi, my name is Anna Mundy! I am a math teacher in Southern Indiana. I recently got engaged to my fiancé, Cameron, who also shares my love for running and fitness! I also love to hike, read, and bike! I have run 5 half-marathons so far, so I do consider myself to be new to the running community. I love health and fitness and encouraging others to find their best health self! I first ran the Indy Mini last year in 2022 and absolutely LOVED it and I cannot wait to run more!

Corey Queen

I'm Corey from Louisville, KY, and after spending 2021 in and out of the hospital as a Covid Long Hauler, and then getting Gastric Sleeve surgery, IndyMini is my comeback half marathon, and I can't wait for this 13.1 mile victory lap! Join me as we celebrate the beauty of Indianapolis!

Derek Savick-Hesser

Derek Savick-Hesser (he/him) is a Hoosier transplant who has found his love of running while residing in Indianapolis's Garfield Park neighborhood. Alongside running, Derek has a love for music, baking, coffee, exploring cities, and educating others through his roles as an instructor and instructional designer and developer. So, catch Derek and his partner around Indianapolis on the roads, trails, or in the local coffee shop post-run and share your running journey (or just say hello!).

Jennifer Spangler

I started running in 2013 at the age of 43 and ever since, I have absolutely loved running. It is something that relieves stress and helps find me joy! My favorite piece in this running journey I am on, the amazing people it has brought into my life.

Jocko Olexa

You can catch me around the Fountain Square neighborhood with my dog, Newman, and girlfriend, Erika. We’ll be buying food and drinks somewhere local. When I’m not there, I’m probably working on the north side as a CFP® practitioner at Morgan Stanley.

Joshua Keyes

My name is Josh Keyes. I am 41 years old, married with 2 boys (8,11). My running career began in high school and continued into college. One day, two years ago, I had the crazy thought of wanting to complete a marathon by age 40. COVID put a damper on that but last year I was able to complete my first marathon at 41 years old. Since then, I’ve done two additional marathons.

Kai Smith

Hi, I'm Kai. 3x Indy Mini participant and self proclaimed "Worlds Okayest Runner!" Remember, you are doing something that most of the people you meet in life would never try. Your participation in the Indy Mini is inspiring those around you, myself included!

Leah Bode

Leah Bode is a second year medical student at IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She is originally from Avon, IN and, like a true Hoosier, grew up playing basketball. Now she uses her 6'2" frame to run half marathons and sprint triathlons when she's not studying!

Linda McElhiney

I am a very active 61 year old pharmacist that loves to walk for various causes and events, including the Indy Mini. I used to be 120 lbs heavier with multiple medical issues and could barely walk. Doing the Indy Mini is a great accomplish for me and making a dream come true. It doesn't matter how fast you are, you are a winner for trying!!!

Luke Zhang

As a "Fresh Off the Boat" kid who came to the United State 12 years ago to pursue a better education and life, Luke now call Indianapolis home. He is a Senior Data Scientist at Resultant and is deeply involved with the Indy community on his free time. Luke’s hard work and community engagement have been wildly recognized by the State of Indiana with multiple awards from different organizations and agencies.

Lynn Hartley

Hi! My name is Lynn Hartley; an avid runner, a passionate 4th grade teacher, a wife, and most importantly, a mama to 3 rambunctious little boys. Encouraging others to be the best versions of themselves and reach their goals and ambitions is truly a passion of mine. I can't wait to continue sharing my journey with this amazing running community all while supporting others in their quest to cross the finish line at the #IndyMini!

Marcelo Gonzalez

A five-year Special Olympics athlete, Marcelo's efforts culminated this past May when he ran the mini for the first time and had an amazing experience. He enjoys running, being active and being around people and can’t wait to run the mini again!

Natalie Jacobson

Hi! My name is Natalie, and I am Indy born and raised girl that is passionate about all things running and sports. I am a second-year medical student at the Indiana University School of Medicine where I am the vice president of wellness, specifically for physical wellness. I love group fitness, setting goals, and meeting new people through running! Outside of running, I love to talk about new books to read, watch Netflix, and travel.

Pamela Malone

I'm a passionate encourager who loves being a mom, friend, college dean, runner, and engaged Hoosier. I'm a gal with #goals, and every year finishing the Indy Mini is one of them. The Indy Mini has been an important part of my life for about two decades, and always reminds me to keep moving forward, do my personal best, and encourage others to do the same. Give it a try - it will change your life

Ryan King

Ryan King is an elementary school Assistant Principal. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends and focusing on his health by running and working out at Orangetheory Fitness. He especially enjoys sharing his love of running with his niece Emma.

Saveda Majety

My name is Saveda and I am a second-year medical student at Indiana University School of Medicine. I am originally from Munster, IN and have loved exploring Indy and participating in the Indy Mini 2022 the past year. I'm excited to serve as an ambassador and promote physical wellness in Indianapolis!

Tracie Hunter

Tracie is a local running coach for IRG training and has been running since the 1900s! She has 2 daughters and enjoys rewarding herself with a nice McDonald's coke and a Snickers after her long runs. The Indy mini is her long-standing half pr and she hopes to break it some day!

Indy Mini Ambassador Program

Do you want to represent The Greatest Spectacle in Running? Apply to be an Indy Mini Ambassador today! We're looking for a group of diverse, enthusiastic participants of all abilities to offer encouragement, inclusivity, motivation, and inspiration to others as they represent and promote the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

Applications

2023 Indy Mini Ambassador applications are now closed.

What will I do as an Indy Mini Ambassador?

As an Indy Mini Ambassador, you will be the face of the Greatest Spectacle in Running! Your role is to get others excited about the Indy Mini on social media and your network of friends and family by sharing your passion for running/walking, inspiring others to pursue a healthy lifestyle, demonstrating leadership, and having fun with a community of runners and walkers! You will also help promote Indy Mini registrations as an advocate of the race in your community and online, and earn some exclusive perks along the way.

Questions? Email raceinfo@500festival.com

Duties and Responsibilities

Demonstrate a positive attitude, foster a sense of community, and be respectful to each other, the 500 Festival staff, volunteers, and other participants
Required participation in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, whether in-person or virtual.
Recruit a minimum of 10 participants for the Indy Mini using your unique referral code
Include “#IndyMiniAmb” in at least one social media bio
Have a strong social media presence including:
- Post regarding the Indy Mini on your platforms a minimum of twice per month
- Announce that you have been selected as an Indy Mini Ambassador on at least one platform
- Engage with participants in the 2023 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Facebook group
Recruit a minimum of 5 volunteers for any 500 Festival event or program
Complete at least one (1) volunteer session at the Mini-Marathon Expo
Attend all Indy Mini Ambassador meetings

Perks and Benefits

One (1) free registration for the 2023 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
One (1) free registration for the 2023 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy
Expand your running community and make connections with other Ambassadors
Exclusive Indy Mini Ambassador apparel and opportunities to earn extra Indy Mini or 500 Festival apparel
Profile featured on the Ambassador page of IndyMini.com with photos and (optional) links to social media accounts
Opportunity to write one guest blog on the Indy Mini Blog
Invitations to exclusive Ambassador events
Incentives for race registration referrals such as Indy Mini merch, gift cards, and race-day perks!

Ambassador Rules & Regulations

Please note that Ambassadors are NOT financially compensated in any way. We do not subsidize travel, training expenses or issue payment of any kind to our team. Ambassadors for the 2023 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will serve from October 2022 through May 2023. We reserve the right to remove any Ambassador from the team at any time due to poor conduct or failure to perform duties.