About this episode
My guest today is Bob Bryant, President and CEO of the 500 Festival. We dive into the rich, little-known history of the 500 Festival, an Indianapolis staple, and its broad impact on the local community. Bob shares insights into the background of the festival, its array of events including the iconic mini marathon, and its educational and fitness programs. We also discuss the unforgettable personal stories associated with the marathon and the community-driven spirit of the festival. You are going to learn about:The history of the 500 festival and Indy Mini Marathon How the 500 Festival enriches lives, and amplifies the cultural significance of the Indy 500. Their commitment to the health and wellbeing of Hoosiers Thank you to our partners: Warm Glow Roots Realty Check out these great clips from the show: 01:15 Meet Bob Bryant: The Man Behind the 500 Festival 02:26 The Origins and Growth of the 500 Festival 09:14 The Mini Marathon: A Running Tradition 16:46 Emotional Stories and Community Impact 26:12 Supporting the 500 Festival: Fundraising and Education 32:28 Gold Star Ceremony and Memorial Service 33:11 Creating the Gold Mile and Honoring Fallen Heroes 34:34 Emotional Impact of the Mini Marathon 36:12 Expanding the Festival to Year-Round Programming 37:22 Youth Health and Fitness Initiatives 38:20 Fundraising and Community Support 42:10 Personal Reflections and Awards 46:11 Final Thoughts and Community Involvement Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater . Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up .