500 Festival Miler Series goes virtual

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The 500 Festival is taking its 2021 Miler Series virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization says participants in the series, which is normally held in-person and includes three, six, and 10-mile races, will be allowed to submit their results anytime between February 1 and April 30.

Registration for the series has begun. The 500 Festival says the series aligns with a typical 12-week training program for a spring distance race, such as the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

“Our team has worked hard with local health officials and medical experts in the hopes of gathering in-person for the Miler Series, but ultimately concluded that the safest decision for everyone involved would be to switch to a virtual event,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We are so appreciative of the support we have received from participants, volunteers, and civic partners. Whether you’re training for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or just looking for some extra fitness motivation, it’s a great opportunity to get moving during this challenging time.”

The organization says those who register for the series will receive a gender specific technical t-shirt, finisher medal, and other items from event partners.

The change to a virtual event is the latest impact the pandemic has had on the 500 Festival. The organization in July announced it was canceling its remaining in-person events after postponing many of them, including the Mini-Marathon, earlier in the year.