The 500 Festival Rookie Run is an annual Indy 500 event held in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Rookie Run is a non-competitive fun run for children ages 3-10, designed to promote fitness, healthy living, and community involvement. The race is held in conjunction with the Indianapolis 500 and the Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day.
The 500 Festival is a sponsor of Indy with Kids. We love their community programs, and especially their youth programs, so this is a great collaboration.
Indianapolis 500 Festival Rookie Run at Kids’ Day
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, children will run, jog, and walk on an age-appropriate course with other children in their age group. It’s a great day to get out and get those muscles moving.
Each participant in the 500 Festival Rookie Run will receive a medal when they finish. The kids participating wear a #1 racing bib and snag some nutritious snacks at the end of the run.
The 500 Festival Rookie Run is a beloved tradition in Indianapolis, and many families make it an annual event. For many children, the race is their first introduction to running and an active lifestyle. It offers a fun and supportive environment for children to challenge themselves and achieve their goals. For parents, it is a chance to share in their children’s excitement and be part of a community that values fitness and healthy living.
Rookie Run Registration
Advanced registration is open through May 7 and costs $10 per child. This includes a commemorative t-shirt, goodie bag, bib, and finishers’ medal. On-site registration is available for $5 per child, and a t-shirt can be purchased for an additional $5.
The Rookie Run is created and managed by the awesome team that puts on the Mini Marathon every year. Rookie Run is a great way to introduce kids to the basics of running and enjoy the excitement of a race, from start to finish. There’s a start line, a massive cheering section, a trip through runner’s service, the occasional celebrity sighting, a finishing medal, a number bib, and snacks and beverages at the finish line!
500 Festival Rookie Run Location
The Rookie Run takes place in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, just one block north of Monument Circle at Ohio and Meridian streets, and during the Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase Kids’ Day. Race distances are set based on a child’s age.
2025 Rookie Run Schedule & Distance
- Age 3: 2-block course – 11:30 pm
- Age 4: 2-block course – 12:00 pm
- Ages 5-6: 1/5-mile course – 12:30 pm
- Ages 7-8: 1/3-mile course – 1:00 pm
- Ages 9-10: 1/3-mile course – 1:30 pm
Times are approximate and subject to change.
Rookie Run Information
The Rookie Run is supported by corporate partners: Salesforce, JPMorgan Chase, Delta Dental, Delta Dental Foundation, Ascension St. Vincent, DICK’s Sporting Goods, and WTHR.
For more information on the Rookie Run and to register, please visit IndyMini.com/RookieRun or search #500RookieRun on social media.
Your family might also enjoy the Indy 500 Parade that takes place in downtown Indianapolis.
Rookie Run at Kids’ Day
In addition to the race itself, the 500 Festival Rookie Run offers a variety of activities for children and families during Kids’ Day on Monument Circle. There are bounce houses, face painting, photo booths, and games to keep children entertained before and after the race. The event also features appearances by the 500 Festival Princesses and the official pace car fleet of the Indianapolis 500.
This event is hosted by the 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization that aims to enrich the lives of Indiana residents and visitors by celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500. The organization also sponsors several other community events throughout the year, including the 500 Festival Parade, the 500 Festival Princess Program, and the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
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