INDIANAPOLIS (January 19, 2009) - The 500 Festival announces today it is giving those interested in participating in the nation's largest half-marathon another chance to register. The 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon takes place on May 2, 2009. The race sold out with 35,000 entries on December 26, 2008. Those who didn't register in time would normally have to wait until next year to participate, but the 500 Festival is once again allowing registration transfers.
The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Transfer Program is available now through April 10, 2009. Current registrants who are unable to participate may transfer their entry to another person. There is a $20 administration and processing fee associated with all transfers.
"We started this transfer program a few years ago and it has become an effective way for us to accommodate people. We are flattered by the interest people have in participating," said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO, 500 Festival.
Here is how the transfer policy works:
1. A registered participant wanting to transfer his/her registration to someone else must find someone who would like to participate, a person who is not already registered for the Mini-Marathon.
2. The person transferring into the Mini-Marathon must complete a "transfer request" form at www.500festival.com . There will be a $20 processing fee associated with the transfer request. Transfer requests will only be processed online. Only the person transferring into the Mini-Marathon need to fill out the transfer request form.
3. Once the transfer request is confirmed by the 500 Festival, the participant transferring out of the Mini-Marathon will be removed from race registration and the participant transferring into the race will be added to the field.
For more information on the transfer policy visit www.500festival.com.
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 52 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.
Last year, nearly 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation's premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.
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