Today, Shorter serves as a Mini-Marathon race commentator from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the WTHR broadcast and has hosted a dinner for the elite runners on the night before the race. By signing up to run the first race, he catapulted the event into new territory and single-handedly launched the Mini and Indianapolis into the upper echelons of the running industry, where it continues to be one of the largest and most successful half – marathons in th e world. I n 1977, Shorter crossed the finish line to win the first – ever Mini-Marathon and put the Mini on the global running map. Shorter is the only American athlete to wi n two medals in the Olympic marathon. Four years later, he went on to win the silver medal in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. He was the first American winner of the Olympic Marathon, and no man from the Unite d States has won since. Shorter became a household name in 1972 when he championed the gold medal at the Munich Olympic s. Th is year’s Grand Marshal is Frank Shorte r, Olympic gold medalist and the winner of the first OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. From the President of the United States to military heroes – cartoon characters to Hollywood movie stars – racing legends to everyday heroes – a common theme amongst all AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshals, they are people who are driven to create change and be a voice for a noble cause.

One of the Festival’s most anticipated announcements, a wide range of people has filled the role over the last 65 years. E ach year, the AES 500 Festival Parade names a Grand Marshal.

Download frank shorter