From the Organizer
Where Illinois ends, Missouri begins — and the Mother Road crosses into legend.
Welcome to Stop 18, the final chapter of the Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 series — a 6.6 K run/walk at the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, the symbolic gateway between Illinois and Missouri. This is where our statewide journey meets the Mississippi River, where the sun sets over two states, and where we send Enric Casacuberta onward into the next leg of his solo Route 66 run for ALS awareness.
This bridge is one of the most breathtaking landmarks on the entire Mother Road — a mile‑long span with its famous mid‑river bend, towering trusses, and panoramic views of the river below. It’s the perfect place to celebrate everything this series stands for: endurance, solidarity, and the shared spirit of the road.
Event Highlights
Pre‑Race Celebration (4 PM): Music, photos, and community gathering at the Illinois bridge entrance to cheer Enric before his sunset run.
Sunset Run (6 PM): The final 6.6 K begins as the sun drops over the Mississippi — a symbolic crossing from Illinois into Missouri.
Run With Enric: Join him for the 2.1‑mile shared segment as he completes his Illinois journey.
Historic Landmark: The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is one of the most iconic structures on Route 66, connecting two states and countless stories.
Sidekick Spirit: Honoring the friends, families, and supporters who walk alongside those facing ALS.
Series Finale: Earn your final badge and celebrate the completion of the Illinois Route 66 adventure.
Why 6.6 K?
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 Final Chapter
This is the moment where the entire Illinois journey comes together — a sunset run, a bridge between states, and a community united in purpose. When you show up here, you’re helping lift Enric’s journey, amplify ALS awareness, and close the Illinois chapter with heart and history.
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
60°
Chance of Rain
22%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Alton - Melvin Price L&D, 10 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
26,670
as of 2023
City Elevation
422 ft
Nearest Airport
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 14 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 18 – Old Chain of Rocks Bridge 6.6K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
91
Days to train
Coming Up
HIS Kids Cancer Support 5K
1 mile away
Funky Bunch 3 Mile Invite — DRESS UP!
8 miles away
Victorious Together 5K Walk/Run
7 miles away
JJK5K
4 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 18 – Old Chain of Rocks Bridge 6.6K
Sep 16, 2026