Imagine going to the state capital to run 13.1 miles with no training. During the race, your legs are throbbing and dragging, your heart is practically beating out of your chest, and all you want to do is stop to walk. But, you want to finish the race, so instead you push through the pain and continue running. Then, once the race is over, all you want to do is sit down and not get up, but there is a mile-long walk to the car. The next day, your legs are so sore you can not move or walk up the stairs, and your lower back pain has a constricting, stinging feeling, so you have to take painkillers every hour or two.
As reported by Fox 59’s, Cooper Hudson, this year was the 49th annual Indy Mini Marathon hosted in Indianapolis on May 3, 2025. Runners from all over the world came to Indy this past weekend to walk or run in the Mini Marathon. This year, contestants from six continents, twenty countries, and all fifty states participated in the race. The winners for the men’s and women’s races both finished within an hour and a half. The male winner was Branden Olen, from Richmond, Kentucky, finishing the race in the time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 40 seconds, making his splits less than 5 minutes and 30 seconds per mile! The female winner was Mercy Chelangat, from Flagstaff, Arizona. Chelangat finished the race with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 32 seconds. Her mile split times were at a 5-minute, 30-second pace.
According to WTHR Channel 13 News’, Scott Swan, there were tens of thousands of participants who ran in this year’s Mini Marathon. The course for the Indy Mini is a unique and legendary course. The course starts and finishes in downtown Indy. The path curves over the White River Bridge, then past the Indianapolis Zoo for mile #1, where hundreds of fans are lined up to cheer on the runners. The runners continue past New York Street to Belmont Road to hit mile two. Participants continue their run down West Michigan Street for the next mile and three-quarters. Runners turned onto Holt Road for mile four, then Main Street for mile five. By mile six, the runners finally made it to the iconic Indianapolis Speedway Racetrack, where they continue one lap around the track, to run miles six, seven, and eight. While on the track, runners had the opportunity to stop for a chance to kiss the legendary Yard of Bricks. Runners made their way to Olin Avenue to hit mile nine. They continued on 10th Street to run miles ten, eleven, and twelve. Then, for mile twelve, they had a straight shot to the finish on New York Street. Once the runners reached the finish line, they were greeted with water. Runners walked to the medal distribution to claim their award. The race also provided foods for recovery, such as bananas, chips, pretzels, protein bars, chocolate milk, and apples.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to run the Indy Mini with my dad. We started in Wave 2 with the start time of 7:50. My dad and I started the race out together, but after the first half mile, I picked up the pace and stayed ahead of him the whole race. My favorite part of the race was finishing and getting the chocolate milk after. Sadly, I did not take the chance to stop and kiss the Yard of Bricks because I was scared I would not get back up! But, my dad kissed the bricks, and he said that was his favorite part of the race. I finished the race with the time of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds. With no training, I think that is a fair time. My dad finished the race in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 8 seconds. For being 46, that is a decent time as well.
Overall, I think everyone should endure this experience once in their lifetime. It is like nothing anyone could ever imagine. The streets lined with hundreds of people cheering the runners on is the best atmosphere to be a part of. The people cheering motivated me to keep going because there were times I wanted to walk, but pushed through thanks to the cheerleaders. The next Indy Mini will be the 50th annual race held on May 2, 2026. The registration has already started, so if you are feeling courageous, sign up and run it!
