INDIANAPOLIS — As drivers prepare to start their engines May 26, runners are prepping to lace up for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 4.
Thousands have signed up to run the half-marathon, including Alli Lee, of Kokomo. She ran her first Indy Mini in 2021 and has been hooked since. The mom of two often trains while pushing her young sons right along with her.
"When I am usually getting out to go for a race or a run — they are ready to go for some reason!" Lee said before strapping her youngest in a stroller for a quick jog.
When she ran her first race, Lee said she actually didn't sign up willingly.
"My brother-in-law actually signed my husband and I up without telling us," Lee said.
But 13.1 miles later, and to her surprise, she loved the experience.
"It's just a confidence ... a successful feeling," Lee explained, "where you'll find yourself signing up for more races and buying more shoes."
Well, Lee is now an Indy Mini ambassador because she wants to show runners or even walkers that you don't have to be a pro to participate.
"With the proper training, the half-marathon is for you ... but just being a part of the month of May — it's inspiring" Lee said.
Lee has vlogged her half-marathon prep before as a content creator for the Kokomo Tribune, taking us along her solo training to the 500 Festival Miler Series, which helps runners work up gradually to the 13.1-mile course.
Even with several smaller races under her belt, she said nothing compared to the "morning of" energy at the Indy Mini starting line.
"You hear cowbells, everybody is cheering for you, and honestly ... it's just so hard to not run really, really fast because you feel so powerful and energized," Lee said.
So, until the big day comes, she's taking it step by step as she gets ready to proudly cross the finish line again.
Feeling inspired? The One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is May 4, but it's not too late to register. Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. April 28. Find out more here.