For decades, the Little 500 has been one of Indiana University's most cherished traditions, bringing together students, alumni and the Bloomington community for an annual bike race inspired by the Indianapolis 500.
Since its inception in 1951, the event has grown in significance, fostering both spirited competition and philanthropy. This year marks a historic milestone, as the 2025 race saw a record-breaking 36 women's teams register and compete in qualifications, with 33 teams set to race on April 25.
Initially a men's-only race, the event expanded in 1988 when the first women's race was officially established, following growing interest in cycling among female students.
Claire Tips, a rider for Kappa Alpha Theta, strongly encourages students interested in joining a team to give it a try. She credits this open-minded approach with the impressive growth of the women’s race.
“That’s how Willkie started,” Tips said. “They just got a few friends together, they asked for help from the Theta’s and they ended up winning the first ever Women’s Little 500.”
The women's race follows the same format as the men's, albeit at half the distance —100 laps (25.47 miles) compared to the men's 200 laps (50.95 miles). The Indiana University Student Foundation, which organizes the event, ensures that each competing rider meets the eligibility criteria, requiring them to be full-time undergraduates maintaining a GPA of at least 2.0.
The record-breaking number of women’s teams this year is a testament to the growing interest in and inclusivity of the sport. Peter Schulz, the assistant director of the Little 500, credits this increase to the dedicated outreach and culture fostered by students.
“Our Riders Council Outreach Committee and my predecessor, Emily Carrico, have done a phenomenal job over the last couple of years encouraging more women to get involved,” Schulz said. “It really comes down to the culture that the students have created — offering mentorship, fostering a welcoming environment, and ensuring that newcomers feel supported and motivated to stay engaged.”
For many riders, the Little 500 is more than just a race — it’s a community. For Erin McHugh, a rider for Gamma Phi Beta’s team, it became exactly that. Transferring to IU and searching for connection, McHugh found both friendship and purpose through cycling.
“I got into biking as a transfer student looking to find a community that would make a big school feel smaller, as well as the camaraderie of a team that I had been missing in my first two years of college,” McHugh said. “So far, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. It’s incredible to see so many women putting themselves out there in a male-dominated sport like cycling, and I look forward to watching how the field grows in years to come.”
Beyond the competition, the philanthropic aspect of the Little 500 remains a key feature of its mission. The proceeds from the race contribute to various student support initiatives, including scholarships and mental health programs. Schulz highlighted the impact of these efforts, noting the funds recently helped establish a new wellness house for students.
While the increasing number of women’s teams is a positive development, it does bring logistical challenges. Organizing an event of this scale requires meticulous planning, from ensuring rider safety to coordinating race-day operations.
Schulz, in his first year as assistant director, acknowledged the complexity of managing so many moving parts but is optimistic about maintaining the event’s integrity and structure.
“There’s always a balance between maintaining the traditions of the race and adapting to growth,” Schulz said. “As the number of teams continues to increase, we’ll be mindful of maintaining the competitive structure while ensuring all teams have the opportunity to participate.”
The Little 500 has long been a unifying event on campus, bringing together students from different backgrounds and skill levels. The increase in women’s participation not only enriches the competition but also signals a broader cultural shift in the recognition and support of female athletes at IU.
For first-time riders, Schulz offers a simple but powerful piece of advice:
“Be relentless in all facets, whether that's asking a question or making a new friend or within your training,” he said. “Be relentless and make a goal and go after it. I think that makes it a lot more fun. And don't worry too much. If you do well in the race, you do well. And if you don't meet your expectations, that's okay, too. But just give it everything. You get out what you put in.”
As the university prepares for race day, the record-breaking participation of women’s teams represents a notable milestone in the history of the event, contributing to the continued growth and evolution of the Little 500 for future generations of Hoosiers.