Runners, restaurants prepare for busy Saturday
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As crews works to clear a path for the runners for the One American 500 Festival Mini Marathon, restaurants are serving up the fuel to keep them going.
Between the half marathon, 5K, and parade, it feels like the festival takes over downtown. And that’s just how the participants and some of the businesses nearby prefer it.
The stage is nearly set. Barricades were being set up for the finish line along New York Street, where thousands of people will proudly pass on through.
The street is soon to be one of many that’ll trade in traffic jams of cars for runners.
“It’s really crowded already,” said runner Sarah Kerschner of Warsaw.
Drivers sped on by down Washington Street. But Saturday, those in the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon will pack the pavement, giving them a view of downtown minus the hustle and bustle of rush hour.
“You see like the movie sets and like there’s no cars, just going to be really quiet,” said Kerschner, a first time participant. “It’ll be kind of cool, almost like you’re on a movie set.”
And this movie comes complete with dinner. Champps Restaurant downtown put together a special menu sure to keep the runners energized every step of the way.
“Definitely like to load up on pasta the night before the race,” said Chef Greg Stipek. “I think last year we printed off a special card and we offered about 3 or 4 additional pastas last year as well.”
Stipek said each dish sold about 30 plates a piece last year.
Outside the restaurant, Washington Street will be closed off during the race. And parking spots in the area won’t be easy to find. But Stipek said there will still be plenty of traffic in the kitchen.
“After the race is usually a little bit of a rush and then after that we’ve got Kentucky Derby and we’ll head straight into the boxing crowd,” he said.
It’s a knockout combination. And the main stage is the streets of Indianapolis.
“Usually I’m driving in a car and we’re going really fast,” said runner Arlene Kershner. “So I mean I’m not that fast of a runner. I have plenty of time to look around.”
To find out what streets downtown will be closed and for how long, click here.