Meb Keflezighi Returns to Indianapolis in 2017
Olympic Medalist and winner of the Boston and New York Marathons will return for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and “Meb’s Motivational Mile”
INDIANAPOLIS (February 16, 2017) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces the return of Olympic Medalist Meb Keflezighi for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 6.
The only Olympic Medalist to win the Boston and New York Marathons, Keflezighi returns to Indianapolis to help motivate runners at the toughest peak of the Mini-Marathon course; the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s a segment fittingly named “Meb’s Motivational Mile.” Keflezighi will also be available for autographs at the Mini-Marathon Expo on May 5, located at the Indiana Convention Center.
“The backstretch of the track is one of the hardest tests of the Indy Mini,” said Keflezighi, who ran the Mini-Marathon noncompetitively in 2016. “Whether it’s motivation, a running buddy or a high five, I’ll be there to help participants conquer the track.”
Keflezighi will be running the Boston Marathon on April 22, just two weeks prior to the Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis. His return to Indianapolis will not include running the Mini-Marathon, but rather a chance to take part in the fun and motivate and inspire other runners.
“We’re so excited to have Meb back this year for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “What he’s done for the running community is beyond words. His legacy as a competitive runner is unrivaled, and his return to Indy is highly supportive of our significant role in the national running landscape.”
Price Extension Through February 23
Along with Keflezighi’s return, the 500 Festival has extended the Mini-Marathon registration price increase for another week. The current registration price was set to jump from $75 to $85 beginning on February 16. Given Keflezighi’s return, the 500 Festival will extend the $75 price through Thursday, February 23, giving potential participants and fans of Keflezighi another week to join the excitement.
“Meb had the idea to extend our scheduled registration price increase,” Bryant added. “We wanted to give all of those Meb followers some more time after hearing the news.”
One of the nation’s largest half marathons, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the 500 Festival’s largest fundraiser. Race registrations help support the 500 Festival’s free youth programs and events. Now through February 23, the Mini-Marathon registration fee is $75. Pricing after February 23 is $85.
The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, Franciscan Health and Meijer. The Mini-Marathon will be broadcast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13. To register for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, or to learn more, visit www.indymini.com or search #IndyMini on social media.
About the 500 Festival
Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $400 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.
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