50th Indy Mini Marathon Draws Over 20,000 Runners Saturday

The indy mini marathon started at 7:35 a.m. Saturday in Indianapolis, and organizers estimated more than 20,000 runners for the 50th annual race. The field included both the 5K run and the half-marathon, with chilly conditions expected to greet runners early.

Linday Labas on 50 Years

Linday Labas said five Indy alumni have done the race all 50 years and keep coming back. "We have five Indy alumni who have done this race all 50 years, so they just keep coming back. They like the other part of the month of May, celebrating and tackling it. I know it looks different now than it was 50 years ago, but they keep coming back, because they love the celebration around Indy Mini."

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Course

The half-marathon route ran through Indianapolis Motor Speedway, adding a signature stretch to the 13.1-mile course. At the end of that distance, runners received a golden medal.

Cecilio Martinez and Karina McDougle

Cecilio Martinez kept his focus on the race itself. "I like the course. I like the people. I love Indy Mini." Karina McDougle expected the temperature to shape the day, saying, "Unlike 2025, the race is going to be chilly with temperatures as low as 39 degrees."

She added, "Honestly, because I’ve been running in so much cold weather, I’m pretty used to that, and I would prefer that. I do overheat a lot. It’s great for me, I’m looking for a cool day." James Day, a Wabash Middle-High School wrestler and first-time half-marathon runner, said, "We’re just excited about the experience. They actually talked me into it. I didn’t want to do it originally. I ran one day this week. We’ll see how this goes. I just came back from a wrestling season, though, so I should be in a decent shape."