May 8, 2010 . . "Ladies & Gentlemen . . . start your engines" . . . (and lace up your running shoes) for the 34th running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. 31,055 finished the 13.1 mile circuit that started on Washington Street, headed west toward the Speedway, wound through the westside of Indy (my old neighborhood), looped the 2-1/2 mile Speedway oval racetrack, and snaked back downtown to finish with the "victory mile" trek down New York Street to Military Park.This is the largest half marathon in the country and the nation's 4th largest road race, with registration filled and closed December 6th, 2009. The race started at 7:33AM in less than favorable conditions this year: 48-50 degree temp, cloudy, 20-25 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph! The traditional balloon race was cancelled and activity at the track was minimal. However, the festive atmosphere prevailed with the route lined with spectators, bands, dancers, groups, and cheerleader squads. Rosie surpassed last year's finish by 9 minutes and I completed the course 63rd of 22 in my 65-69 age group.
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