This summer, the Historic Highway Hustle will commence, which is a series of three 6.6-kilometer footraces along Route 66 in northern Illinois.
The Historic Highway Hustle kicks off with the Run the Rock 6.6K at the Old Joliet Prison on May 3.
Participants will weave through the historic prison grounds where towering limestone walls echo with stories of another era.
The next stop on the race route is Wilmington, home of the 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant.
Named for the city’s most iconic attraction, the Giant Summer Run 6.6K will take place on June 6.
The final stretch of the Historic Highway Hustle is the Dwight Pit Stop 6.6K on July 11.
Participants can take in the vintage ambiance of Amblers Texaco Gas Station, a slice of Americana from the golden age of American road travel.
Each race offers participants collectibles, local entertainment and the chance to explore communities that keep the spirit of Route 66 alive.
Runners who complete all three events will receive three interlocking medals that form a Route 66 shield.
The series will also feature virtual races for participants who cannot attend in person but don’t want to miss out on commemorative swag.
Registration fees are $45 per race, or $120 for all three races. Registration for each race can be found here.
“This event gives participants the chance to see Route 66 like never before and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime, 100-year celebration of this iconic highway plus memorable take-home items only available for race participants,” said Kirsten Van Duyne, executive director of the Wilmington Park District.
(Images of the race logos courtesy of the Wilmington Park District)