2026 Elite Athlete Qualifying Times
|
Open Men
|
Open Women
|
Masters / Grandmasters
Men (40+)
|
Masters / Grandmasters
Women (40+)
|
| 10K
|
33:15:00
|
38:30:00
|
34:40:00
|
39:55:00
|
| 15K
|
51:45:00
|
1:00:00
|
53:52:00
|
1:02:07
|
| Half Marathon
|
1:15:00
|
1:27:00
|
1:18:00
|
1:30:00
|
| Marathon
|
2:40:00
|
3:18:00
|
2:46:00
|
3:24:00
|
*Meeting these standards does not guarantee acceptance in the Elite Athlete program. All applications are subject to the discretion of the 500 Festival.
Prize Money
To be eligible for prize money in the categories of the overall winner, time standard, or first Indiana finisher, you must be approved and registered through the 500 Festival's Elite Athlete Program. Elite Athletes are eligible to win prize money in multiple categories. The finish order is based on gun time. The top finishers from the state of Indiana must be registered Elite Athletes, Indiana residents, and be able to demonstrate proof of residency via a valid government-issued ID.
|
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
| Overall Men
|
$2,500
|
|
|
| Overall Women
|
$2,500
|
|
|
| Top Indiana Finisher - Men
|
$1,000
|
|
|
| Top Indiana Finisher - Women
|
$1,000
|
|
|
| Masters Open - Men & Women (40+)
|
$300
|
$200
|
$100
|
| Grandmasters Open - Men & Women (50+)
|
$300
|
$200
|
$100
|
Any Elite Athlete who beats the following time standards will receive $1,000:
- Men: 1:05:00
- Women: 1:15:00
Any elite athlete who beats a course record and wins the Mini-Marathon will receive $500
- Men’s Record: 2023 Panuel Mkungo – 1:01:44
- Women’s Record: 2025 Mercy Chelangat – 1:10:32
*Previous American Half Marathon Record (1:07:11) was won by Emily Sisson on the Indy Mini course during the 2022 USATF Half Marathon National Championships*
Please Note: It is the responsibility of the athlete to determine if they are able to accept prize money and how that prize may be spent to maintain high school and/or collegiate eligibility.
*All Elite Athletes should participate in an honorable and moral manner and in accordance with USATF rules and regulations. The 500 Festival reserves the right to void prize money and/or disqualify an Elite Athlete if they are deemed to have acted against these standards.