The 2026 IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon wrapped up as the sun rose on the opening day of the Month of May. 13News reporter Jenna Webster was on site to talk with some of the runners who took part in the event.

Details about the race, including the number of participants, exact start time, and winning times, have not yet been released. According to the interview segments filed by Webster, participants expressed enthusiasm for kicking off the 500 Festival season with the early morning run.

The mini-marathon is a long standing tradition in Indianapolis, serving as the unofficial start of the festivities leading up to the Indianapolis 500. The 2026 edition began in the dark and finished as daylight broke, a timing that has become characteristic of the event. Runners lined the downtown course, passing landmarks that have become familiar to years of participants.

Webster spoke with a mix of first time runners and veterans. One runner described the experience as a rite of spring, while another noted the energy of the crowd even at the early hour. The interviews will air on 13News in the coming days.

No official statements from race organizers or IU Health sponsors were included in the initial report. The full results and photo galleries are expected to be posted on the 500 Festival website later this week.

For now, the 2026 IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is in the books, and the Month of May in Indianapolis has officially begun.