Mini Marathon runners plan to race and catch Fever game

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s a busy weekend in Indianapolis with several events going on, two being the Indy Mini Marathon and the first Indiana Fever home game of the preseason.

Thousands of runners are flooding Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend ahead of the half marathon.

“It’s flat and local, and I think May is just such a great time in Indianapolis,” said runner Taylor McDougal. “We love starting the summer off this way.”

People are picking up their bibs and all the other running essentials like gels and shades, before lacing up their shoes and heading to the start line.

“It’s on your home turf. It’s nice,” said another runner, Robert Jackson. “The fans are nice, and then the track, you can’t pass up the track.”

The half marathon is a favorite for many folks who return year after year, but it is also a great starting point for beginners.

“I just want to finish. I want to get there,” said Justin Nolder. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done one, and I lost a lot of weight to get there.”

People are also traveling from near and far for the greatest spectacle in running.

“I’ve ran 10 half marathons so far, so it’s supposed to be my 11th and my fifth state,” said Ian Carruthers.

With so much going on this weekend, people are getting their steps in to see everything Indy has to offer.

Runners are racing to finish in time to get to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the tip-off of the first Fever preseason game.

Carruthers is one of the runners going to both.

“I’m coming from Aliso Viejo, California for the Indy Mini Marathon and a Fever game,” said Carruthers.

Several other runners want to go as well, but are waiting to see if they can make it off the couch after the race. Lots of Fever fans plan to get out to another game this season, if they can’t make it Saturday.

“It’s great for our daughter to get to go to some Fever games, so super excited about that rise in Indianapolis and good for her to get some good exposure too,” said McDougal.

The Mini Marathon waves begin a little after 7:30 a.m., and the game against the Washington Mystics starts at 1 p.m.