Centennial Route 66 5K
- Date Sat 6th June 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Springfield, Illinois
- Price $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for an unforgettable experience at the Centennial Route 66 5K, happening on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Sangamon. This exciting event celebrates the 100th anniversary of America’s most iconic highway, Historic Route 66, and promises to blend a love for running with nostalgic Americana. The race kicks off at 8:00 AM from the Gate 2 Route 66 Experience Exhibit, where runners will be surrounded by vintage signage and the rich history of the Mother Road.
Participants will enjoy a scenic loop through the fairgrounds, featuring a remarkable one-mile stretch on the legendary Illinois State Fair Grandstand Track—the very same oval that has hosted countless racing legends and memorable concerts. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply reveling in the spirit of this historic milestone, every runner will receive a custom-designed finisher medal, with awards for top overall finishers and age-group winners. Join us for this unique opportunity to run the road that defined a nation and be part of the magic as we celebrate Route 66! Register today and make history with us!
Participants will enjoy a scenic loop through the fairgrounds, featuring a remarkable one-mile stretch on the legendary Illinois State Fair Grandstand Track—the very same oval that has hosted countless racing legends and memorable concerts. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply reveling in the spirit of this historic milestone, every runner will receive a custom-designed finisher medal, with awards for top overall finishers and age-group winners. Join us for this unique opportunity to run the road that defined a nation and be part of the magic as we celebrate Route 66! Register today and make history with us!
Organiser's Description
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF AMERICAS MOST ICONIC HIGHWAY AT THE CENTENNIAL ROUTE 66 5K
Step onto history and lace up for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience at the CENTENNIAL ROUTE 66 5K, taking place JUNE 6, 2026, at the ILLINOIS STATE FAIRGROUNDS in Springfield. This special event honors the 100th anniversary of HISTORIC ROUTE 66, blending running, nostalgia, and classic Americana into one unforgettable morning.
The race kicks off promptly at 8:00 AM from the Gate 2 ROUTE 66 EXPERIENCE EXHIBIT, surrounded by vintage signage, roadside history, and the unmistakable spirit of the Mother Road. From there, runners head out on a scenic loop through the fairgrounds, soaking in the historic charm and energy of one of Illinois most iconic venues.
THE SIGNATURE MOMENT
The highlight of the course is a full ONE-MILE STRETCH on the legendary ILLINOIS STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND TRACKthe same oval that has hosted generations of racing legends, concerts, and State Fair memories. Its racing on a racetrackliterally. As a bonus, your OFFICIAL 1-MILE SPLIT TIME will be captured, giving runners a fun benchmark inside the race.
Whether youre chasing a personal best, running for the joy of it, or simply celebrating a century of Route 66, every participant becomes part of this historic milestone.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
All finishers will receive a CUSTOM-DESIGNED FINISHER MEDAL created specifically for the Centennial Route 66 5K. Awards will be presented to TOP OVERALL FINISHERS and AGE-GROUP WINNERS IN 5-YEAR BRACKETS, ensuring competitive excitement for runners of all ages and abilities.
RUN THE ROAD THAT DEFINED A NATION. RACE THE TRACK KNOWN AS THE MAGIC MILE.
REGISTER TODAY and be part of historywhere Route 66 meets the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Step onto history and lace up for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience at the CENTENNIAL ROUTE 66 5K, taking place JUNE 6, 2026, at the ILLINOIS STATE FAIRGROUNDS in Springfield. This special event honors the 100th anniversary of HISTORIC ROUTE 66, blending running, nostalgia, and classic Americana into one unforgettable morning.
The race kicks off promptly at 8:00 AM from the Gate 2 ROUTE 66 EXPERIENCE EXHIBIT, surrounded by vintage signage, roadside history, and the unmistakable spirit of the Mother Road. From there, runners head out on a scenic loop through the fairgrounds, soaking in the historic charm and energy of one of Illinois most iconic venues.
THE SIGNATURE MOMENT
The highlight of the course is a full ONE-MILE STRETCH on the legendary ILLINOIS STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND TRACKthe same oval that has hosted generations of racing legends, concerts, and State Fair memories. Its racing on a racetrackliterally. As a bonus, your OFFICIAL 1-MILE SPLIT TIME will be captured, giving runners a fun benchmark inside the race.
Whether youre chasing a personal best, running for the joy of it, or simply celebrating a century of Route 66, every participant becomes part of this historic milestone.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
All finishers will receive a CUSTOM-DESIGNED FINISHER MEDAL created specifically for the Centennial Route 66 5K. Awards will be presented to TOP OVERALL FINISHERS and AGE-GROUP WINNERS IN 5-YEAR BRACKETS, ensuring competitive excitement for runners of all ages and abilities.
RUN THE ROAD THAT DEFINED A NATION. RACE THE TRACK KNOWN AS THE MAGIC MILE.
REGISTER TODAY and be part of historywhere Route 66 meets the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Races
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Location
801 Sangamon Ave, Springfield, 62706, IL, United States
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Centennial Route 66 5K
