From the Organizer
A legendary Route 66 landmark — and a milestone in our journey.
Welcome to Stop 16 of the Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 series — a 6.6K run/walk through Litchfield, home to one of the most iconic and continuously celebrated Route 66 landmarks in America: the Ariston Café. Built in 1935 and lovingly preserved, the Ariston is more than a restaurant — it’s a living piece of Mother Road history, a gathering place for travelers, and a symbol of endurance, community, and heart.
This stop carries a special energy. The Ariston’s neon glow, classic façade, and deep Route 66 roots make it one of the most meaningful backdrops in the entire series. It’s a place where countless journeys have paused, where stories have been shared, and where our mission finds a home rich with history and hope.
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. Litchfield is one of the most inspiring meet‑up points, where the glow of the Ariston meets the strength of the mission.
Event Highlights
6.6K Route 66 Course: A scenic run beginning at the legendary Ariston Café, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on the Mother Road.
Run With Enric: Join him for the 2.1‑mile shared segment as he continues his statewide ALS journey.
Historic Americana: The Ariston’s iconic neon, classic architecture, and Route 66 heritage make this stop unforgettable.
Sidekick Spirit: Honoring the friends, families, and supporters who walk alongside those facing ALS.
Community‑Driven: Open to all paces and all ages — Litchfield’s pride and hospitality shine at this stop.
Series Momentum: Earn your Stop 16 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
Litchfield is a stop that feels iconic, warm, and deeply connected to the spirit of Route 66. 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
82°
Typical Low
57°
Chance of Rain
20%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Hillsboro, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
6,814
as of 2023
City Elevation
687 ft
Nearest Airport
BLV
Scott AFB/Midamerica Airport · 45 mi
Major Hub
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 49 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 – Stop 16 – Litchfield 6.6K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
89
Days to train
Coming Up
TMH Auxiliary Light The Night Glow Run
32 miles away
Watershed Endurance 6Hr/3Hr Runs
30 miles away
Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 – Stop 14 – Divernon 6.6K
27 miles away
Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 – Stop 15– Waggoner 6.6K
10 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 16 – Litchfield 6.6K
Sep 14, 2026