OneAmerica 500 Festival

OneAmerica 500 Festival is held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 1, 2027. Two distances are offered, a 5K (3.1 miles) and a half marathon (13.1 miles), on a completely flat city course. The route passes through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where runners traditionally kneel to kiss the track's brick finish line, the Yard of Bricks. The event draws around 35,000 participants, with some fifty entertainment groups along the way and fifteen aid stations.

Flat and heavily supported, this is about as favorable a half marathon as you will find for a first attempt at the distance or a personal best. Fifteen aid stations mean you can drink little and often instead of carrying anything. Build over 12 to 16 weeks with a weekly long run reaching 10 to 12 miles, and resist the urge to bank time in the fast, crowded opening miles.