The OneAmerica relationship with the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

The OneAmerica relationship with the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

OneAmerica and the Mini-Marathon

When it comes to growing in downtown Indianapolis, the Mini-Marathon and OneAmerica have been on similar paths.

The Mini-Marathon went from Olympian Frank Shorter beating about 800 other runners in 1977 to capping the largest mini-marathon in the United States at 35,000 runners.

Meanwhile, OneAmerica moved into what was the tallest building in Indiana and has grown into one of the largest private companies in Indianapolis.

In 2004, the Mini-Marathon and OneAmerica merged their success into a new venture as the financial services mutual company became the title sponsor.

The festival’s mini-marathon became the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, a relationship that has been renewed twice and will continue at least through 2019. OneAmerica has been a longtime supporter of the 500 Festival, a community-led non-profit organization that supports the Indianapolis 500 race. 

"We’re proud to support the 500 Festival, both financially and through the hundreds of OneAmerica associates who volunteer their time to pass out packets, answer questions and give out snacks and water during and after the race,” OneAmerica President and CEO Scott Davison said.

OneAmerica’s commitment to the Mini-Marathon includes more than 500 volunteers helping during training races, the Expo where runners and walkers receive their packets, and on race day. As a result of the continued support of the OneAmerica Mini-Marathon, the IPL 500 Festival parade and the 500 festival Memorial Service, OneAmerica was honored by the International Festivals and Events Association with the Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Sponsor Partner in 2014.

The Mini-Marathon draws participants from nearly every U.S. state and several foreign countries making the trek to Indy each year to compete. The current course passes the Indianapolis Zoo, takes a lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and travels along and over the White River. Along the way, water and Gatorade stations, cooling mist areas and musical entertainment can be found to help the runners reach their goal.