Indy Mini Half – Stephanie G

Race: Indy Mini-Marathon (HM) – http://www.indymini.com/

Runner: Stephanie G

Location: Indianapolis

Date: 5/7/2016

Results – 1:36:38

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

The start line is in the middle of a bunch of hotels, which means real bathrooms!

Even though I couldn’t tell you a single thing about the Indianapolis 500, running on the speedway was kind of fun

Lots of crowd support

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

Everything that the race controlled was good. My legs were the only things that were problematic. And maybe my lungs.

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

I thought a woman fell down a ways up in front of me when we were running on the (very flat) speedway. Later I put the pieces together that she was kissing the yard of bricks. Which I then had to have explained to me

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

I felt good warming up. And then I felt good when I got an empty garbage bag from some teenage volunteers taking out the trash at the end. Kept me from freezing on the way back to the car. Everything in between was so-so.

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

It’s really flat! Also, if you’re in a corral near the front, it never really feels crowded even with 30,000+ runners.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

I often have race amnesia, and this is one of those times. I remember seeing a frozen yogurt shop, and running on the speedway, but that’s about it. I think it was mostly on residential streets? Could have been some industrial thrown in there, but I’m really not sure.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Was for me ???? But, as I’ve mentioned, it’s flat, for better or for worse.

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

Super well organized from packet pick up, to the start line, to so many great volunteers along the way.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Men’s winning time was 1:02 and women’s was 1:11, with lots of people in that range. 5 seconds separated men’s 1st and 2nd place. So yes!

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.

I’m not sure. I got registered without me even knowing it a year ahead of time!

Aid Stations

Every mile I believe, on both sides of the road, with water and Gatorade

Weather and typical race conditions –

I think it’s typically somewhat warm. This year it was sunny and low 60s. Got cloudy when I was at about mile 11 (or at least that’s when I noticed it)

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

I’m not familiar with the area, so I don’t really know

Awards –

Medals for finishers and additional “first 500” medals for the first 500 people to cross the finish line.

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

It was great for a very large half marathon.