Little 500 2026

The Little 500 is the largest collegiate bike race in the United States, and a cultural cornerstone of Indiana University for over 75 years. Every April, Bloomington comes alive as nearly 50,000 spectators gather in person and online to witness the iconic men’s and women’s races.

The event blends tradition, competition, and cultural relevance. Teams of four riders push through 100–200 grueling laps on a quarter-mile cinder track, creating hours of riveting viewership described by The Washington Post as “grueling.” The Little 500 inspired the Academy Award-winning film Breaking Away and has hosted cultural luminaries including Bob Hope, Adam Sandler, John Mellencamp, and even President Barack Obama.

For brands, the Little 500 represents unmatched visibility with a coveted 18–25 demographic. In 2025 alone, the event generated:

• 18,920 in-person spectators
• 76,000+ broadcast views across YouTube and IU Broadcast
• 1.9M+ Instagram views of Little 500 content in April

With deep ties to student philanthropy, sponsorship also supports the IU Student Foundation’s Students Helping Students campaign, which raised over $60,000 in 2025 for student mental health initiatives.

Put simply: the Little 500 is where community, culture, and cause meet—making it one of the most powerful collegiate sponsorship opportunities in the country.