From the Organizer
Where the Mother Road meets the home of a president — and the heart of our mission.
Welcome to Stop 13 of the Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 series — a 6.6K run/walk through Springfield, the capital city of Illinois and one of the most meaningful destinations on the entire Mother Road. Here, the spirit of Route 66 meets the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, creating a powerful backdrop for this chapter of our statewide journey.
This stop centers on the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where preserved streets, historic homes, and the iconic Route 66 pavement come together in a way that feels both timeless and deeply symbolic. It’s a place where history is alive — and where our mission gains even more weight.
This series also stands in solidarity with Enric Casacuberta, who is running the entire Illinois stretch of Route 66 solo to honor those living with ALS. At each stop, participants join Enric for a 2.1‑mile shared run, a symbolic “sidekick” segment that reminds him — and every family touched by ALS — that no one travels this road alone. Springfield is one of the most meaningful meet‑up points, where courage, community, and history converge.
Event Highlights
6.6K Route 66 Course: A scenic run through Springfield’s historic district, anchored by the Lincoln Home and the preserved Route 66 pavement.
Run With Enric: Join him for the 2.1‑mile shared segment as he continues his statewide ALS journey.
Historic Significance: Walk and run where Lincoln once walked — a powerful reminder of leadership, resilience, and legacy.
Sidekick Spirit: Honoring the friends, families, and supporters who walk alongside those facing ALS.
Community‑Driven: Open to all paces and all ages — Springfield’s pride and hospitality make this stop unforgettable.
Series Momentum: Earn your Stop 13 badge as you help carry the Route 66 torch toward the final Illinois miles.
Why 6.6K?
Each event in this series honors the Mother Road itself — 6.6 kilometers symbolizing the 2,400‑mile journey of Route 66 and the long, winding road families travel with ALS. Your miles matter. Your presence matters. Your solidarity matters.
Be Part of the Journey
Springfield is a stop that feels historic, heartfelt, and deeply connected to the mission. When you show up here, you’re helping lift Enric’s journey, amplify ALS awareness, and strengthen a statewide movement built on compassion and courage.
Lace up. Show up. Stand with us. Side by side. Mile by mile. Down Route 66.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
57°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Springfield #2, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
113,714
as of 2023
City Elevation
590 ft
Nearest Airport
SPI
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport · 6 mi
Major Hub
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 82 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 – Stop 13 – Springfield 6.6K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
86
Days to train
Coming Up
Little Miracles 5K
3 miles away
Freedom Run 2026
3 miles away
Women's Distance Festival
2 miles away
Run Your Bundts Off 5k Fun Run & Walk - Springfield
2 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 – Stop 13 – Springfield 6.6K
Sep 11, 2026