Joint Forces Headquarters

Indiana National Guard

Office of Public Affairs

2002 South Holt Road

Indianapolis, Indiana  46241

317-247-3222

For Release  March 2, 2007

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to be staged for troops in Iraq

INDIANAPOLIS, March 2, 2007 – Indiana National Guard 38^th Division Support Command to compete in

half-marathon abroad.

While the field for the 31st running of the 2007 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon reached its 35,000 entry limit in late November, the 500 Festival announced that additional athletes will once again be joining the field.

     A special remote version of the 2007 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, designed for troops who want to participate but can’t, due to their tour of duty in Iraq, will take place Saturday, May 5. In 2004, the 500 Festival responded to a request from the Indiana National Guard’s 38^th Infantry Division to stage a remote Mini-Marathon in Bosnia. The race was successful with more than 500 participants who received everything from finishers’ medals to new socks for the race, courtesy of Mini-Marathon sponsors.  The following year the remote Mini-Marathon took place in Afghanistan under the auspices of the 76^th Brigade Combat Team. 

     The Indiana National Guard’s 38^th Division Support Command (DISCOM), based in Indianapolis, has been deployed to Baghdad since May 2006, but the Soldiers’ interest in events associated with the 500 Festival has not flagged.  They began a training program in January called “Trained in Terre Haute,” which includes twice-weekly training runs.  Usually 150-200 Soldiers participate in these runs, preparing for the upcoming race. 

     “It’s important to them and to us that we provide them with the whole experience,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Entries for the participants are being provided courtesy of our 500 Festival Mini-Marathon sponsors including OneAmerica, Finish Line, Marsh and St. Francis.  The 500 Festival is also providing a Mini-Marathon kit which will include an official start line banner and new timing and scoring chips.  We want the troops to feel as much a part of things as possible, short of being in Indianapolis.”

     To further that goal, a unique addition has been made to the 500 Festival training run on March 10.  At the event, which begins and ends at the Indiana State Museum, a banner will be available in the registration area for signatures and messages of the registrants, family and friends of deployed Soldiers, and members of the general public.  The signed banner will be sent overseas to the 38^th DISCOM as a symbol of respect and support, and will be displayed at the Mini-Marathon there.

     “The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has grown over its 31-year history to become a world-class event,” said Hendrix. “Much of success of the Mini-Marathon and other Festival events and programs is due to the support and volunteerism we receive each year from our Indiana troops.  Hosting this event in Iraq is just a small way for us to say thank you.”

     Questions concerning the Indiana National Guard should be directed to the State Public Affairs Officer,   

Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson, (317) 247-3222.  Media inquiries concerning the 2007 500 Festival OneAmerica Mini-Marathon should be directed to 500 Festival Media Relations Coordinator, Brandi Davis-Handy, (317) 614-6128.

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The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests. These events and programs, produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational, and social benefits to the world.

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 49 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. This year the 500 Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary with many special events and programs.