Kanaan sets pace for 2017 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Tony Kanaan

Verizon IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan has teamed with the 500 Festival to set the pace for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon as the Indianapolis race's official Pacesetter.

Kanaan, who finished seventh in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series standings, ran in the 2016 Mini-Marathon and finished the 13.1-mile road race that includes a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval with a time of 1 hour, 43 minutes, 29 seconds. The 500 Festival added five minutes to that time for every position higher than 10th that Kanaan finished in the series standings, making 1:58:29 the official time to beat for the 2017 Mini-Marathon.

For each 2017 Mini-Marathon participant who finishes under Kanaan's Pacesetter time, the 500 Festival will donate $1 to a charity as voted on by the participants.

"I'm honored to serve as the official Pacesetter for the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon," Kanaan said. "This race means so much to the community and to the 35,000 people who participate every year. Participating in a half-marathon requires courage and dedication. I hope that my participation will inspire people to join the fun and participate in this year's race and that as many people as possible will take on the Pacesetter challenge and help raise money for these worthy charities."

Kanaan and wife Lauren welcomed a second child Oct. 27 when son Max was born. Kanaan has a son, Leo, from a previous marriage. Kanaan and Lauren also have another son, Deco.