BLOOMINGTON — When student cyclists take to the cinder track at Bill Armstrong Stadium this April, they will be celebrating a milestone: the 75th running of the Little 500, often called “the world’s greatest college weekend.”
Hosted at Indiana University Bloomington, the Little 500 has grown into the nation’s largest collegiate bicycle race, drawing record crowds of around 30,000 spectators each year. But beyond the excitement of race day, the event continues to focus on its original mission—supporting students.
“Little 500 started as a way to raise scholarship money for IU students, and, 75 years later, philanthropy remains at the heart of everything we do,” said Peter Schulz, the race director. “Whether they’re planning the event or competing in the race, generations of Hoosiers have rallied around the Little 500 to support their fellow IU students.”
The first men’s Little 500 race took place on May 12, 1951, raising $6,000 for Little 500 funds and scholarships benefiting working students. Today, the event continues that tradition through the Students Helping Students campaign, which focuses on supporting essential student needs such as food, housing, and health care.
“As the cost of living continues to increase, providing accessible funding for essential needs will ensure more of our students can thrive,” said Aimie DeLeon, assistant director of lifetime engagement at the Indiana University Student Foundation. “The Students Helping Students campaign demonstrates that IU students can make a difference now that will have a life-changing impact on students for years to come.”
The fundraising campaign begins with Little 500 qualifications on March 28 and concludes during race weekend in April. The women’s race is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, April 24, while the men’s race will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Tickets for both races are available through Ticketmaster and are expected to sell out.
75th Anniversary Events
Several special events are planned during race week to celebrate the anniversary:
- Documentary Premiere and Panel Discussion: The event “Little 500: Triumph, Tradition, Today” will feature the premiere of the documentary More Than a Race, along with episodes from the “Two Days in April” docuseries. The program begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.
- Little 500 Concert: Synth-pop duo Magdalena Bay will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at IU Auditorium. Proceeds from the concert organized by the IU Student Foundation will benefit the Students Helping Students campaign. Tickets for the concert
- Alumni Race: Former Little 500 riders will return to Bill Armstrong Stadium from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, for a series of 10-lap heats.
- Alumni Barbecue: An alumni barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, ahead of the men’s race. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets for the barbecue
Organizers say the milestone event highlights a tradition that has combined competition, school spirit, and philanthropy for three-quarters of a century—ensuring the race continues to support future generations of IU students.
