This is one race I can't say enough about!
First off, we were planning to travel to do the Flying Pig Half Marathon and one of my running partners told me that Cincinnati was within a short driving distance of Indianapolis. Well, this stunning piece of information led to a bit of research and to the realization that there was indeed another race being held the day before the Flying Pig. The question was, could our bodies handle doing two in a row? Our thought: we were saving money by running twice and only flying once, so even if we had to walk the second race we were going to try it! We immediately registered for the Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon and pushed our training into high gear.
I'm not quite sure how we did not know about "the nation's largest half marathon", but I'm so glad we found out! Once we arrived we headed to the expo and wandered around the old city.
We found dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and called it an early night.
Arriving in the downtown area nice and early, we found that we hadn't really needed to pre-purchase the parking pass as there were plenty of spaces available. Off and running in the cool morning air, the enthusiasm was incredible. As soon as we couldn't hear one band behind us, we heard another as our feet drew us closer to the next stage area. Spectators were cheering, whistling, hooting and hollering everywhere! The "pit stations" were fun and well stocked with supplies and friendly volunteers.
The highlight of the course was running the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Runners got to experience a complete lap around the 2.5 mile track.
Never has a finish area been more satisfying. We were given our medals and a drink and then handed a plastic bag. This may not seem like much to the average person, but this one small gesture just made my day! I navigated my way through the runners' service area and was able to easily grab the items I wanted and carry them in my handy bag. Another great find - free chocolate milk - my favorite way to refuel after a long run.
Even more food and entertainment await runners and their supporters at the Post Race Party in Military Park. Bands are still playing and food vendors are selling their wares. It's the perfect place to celebrate your accomplishment. This is a race I would highly recommend to others!
First off, we were planning to travel to do the Flying Pig Half Marathon and one of my running partners told me that Cincinnati was within a short driving distance of Indianapolis. Well, this stunning piece of information led to a bit of research and to the realization that there was indeed another race being held the day before the Flying Pig. The question was, could our bodies handle doing two in a row? Our thought: we were saving money by running twice and only flying once, so even if we had to walk the second race we were going to try it! We immediately registered for the Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon and pushed our training into high gear.
I'm not quite sure how we did not know about "the nation's largest half marathon", but I'm so glad we found out! Once we arrived we headed to the expo and wandered around the old city.
Arriving in the downtown area nice and early, we found that we hadn't really needed to pre-purchase the parking pass as there were plenty of spaces available. Off and running in the cool morning air, the enthusiasm was incredible. As soon as we couldn't hear one band behind us, we heard another as our feet drew us closer to the next stage area. Spectators were cheering, whistling, hooting and hollering everywhere! The "pit stations" were fun and well stocked with supplies and friendly volunteers.
The highlight of the course was running the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Runners got to experience a complete lap around the 2.5 mile track.
Even more food and entertainment await runners and their supporters at the Post Race Party in Military Park. Bands are still playing and food vendors are selling their wares. It's the perfect place to celebrate your accomplishment. This is a race I would highly recommend to others!
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