INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Thousands of runners hit the streets of downtown Indianapolis Saturday morning for the 500 Festival 6-Miler race.

Despite the number, inside the Pavilion at Pan Am Plaza, which serves as race headquarters, it was quieter than usual.

“We’ve been encouraging people to come inside, get your runners’ packets and then to head back outside to stretch to avoid too many people gathering here at once,” said Sabrina List with the 500 Festival.

Even with extra precautions and communication, List says the organization hasn’t received too many calls for concern.

“We’re telling people to follow the CDC guidelines. We actually hit the highest number of registered runners for the 6-miler,” List added.

Saturday’s run was designed to give participants a preview of May as the race features course entertainment, a pit station staffed by 500 Festival Princesses and the chance to practice their race day strategy such as hydration, pacing and fueling.

Registration for the 500 Festival 10-miler is still open.