Indy Mini Half Marathon – Dan L

Race: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon HM (Indy Mini)

Runner: Dan L

Date: 5/6/17

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Results – 1:35:27, 564th out of 19,067

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

1- It’s my hometown race and I get to visit my brother, his wife, my nephew, and my niece

2- You get to run a lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s huge: 2.5 mile oval, and you are inside it for ~ 3 miles, which breaks up the race well

3- An 18 year-old took 16th place in 1:11:53 wearing Crocs. Steph pointed this out to me. I love this kid!! Here he is finishing:

Let’s get a close up on this style…

1) Crocs and socks: Pro move!

2) Wears race shirt for the race: Pro move!

3) Long shorts: Pro move!

4) Harry Potter glasses: Pro move!

5) Bib off-center: Pro-move!

6) Doesn’t even appear impressed with himself at the end: Pro move!

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Can be hard to get back to car after race if you have to cross the course because there are a lot of runners.

 

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Many people will stop, kneel down, and kiss the “yard of bricks” at the start / finish line on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while running the race (at around mile 8).

 

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

Personally, I did well holding back and finishing stronger. With so many people, it can be hard not to go out too fast.

 

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Race has seeding and a wave start to reduce congestion. Can even get seeded based upon 5K or 10K times. Even with seeding in the “B” corral (1:30 to 1:40 half marathon time), the race is very crowded initially. Definitely recommend submitting a seeding time, as the congestion would likely be much worse further back.

 

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This was my 5th Indy Mini, so I did not learn much new.

 

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Course is very flat. Basically three segments: Out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (the track), around the track, and then back to downtown.

 

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Urban course. Downtown Indianapolis is more interesting than most would expect, and running on the track is always a thrill for me.

 

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Very flat course

 

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized race. Large. Used to be (and may still be) nation’s largest half marathon.

 

Competition – is there a strong field?

It’s a huge race that attracts a lot of athletes that are just below the top tier professionals, with winning times that have been at or below 62 minutes.

 

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Biggest logistical issue is race morning parking. Lots on the IUPUI campus (near start finish) were available for $6, but wise to plan on arriving 80 to 90 minutes prior to start to use them, especially if planning to gear check, warm up, and not be stressed out on time.

 

Aid Stations

Tons. Basically every 1.5 miles or so. Will have a couple misters out on hot days as well.

 

Weather and typical race conditions –

Normally 50s. Can be hot or cold. When hot and sun is out, running on the asphalt of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can be quite taxing.

 

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Nope.

 

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Pretty easy to see runners twice on on way out to track and way back to finish. Better still in my mind is a very vibrant cheering stretch near the finish line.

 

Awards –

They used to give out a special award to the first 500 to the finish line. They may have discontinued this award in favor of multiple event participation medals.

 

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

5 stars out of 5