Featured Running Event of the Week - Get Your 6.6 on Route 66

A fantastic play on the phrase "Get Your Kicks on Route 66".  This is a 6.6k point-to-point race.  To explain that in non-runner terms, this is a 4.1 mile race which ends at a different location that it starts.  Now, some "circular" races end within a few blocks from where they started, that's not really considered a point-to-point.  A point-to-point is when it ends significantly far from where it started - in this case 4.1 miles farther (or 6.6k).

This is what many refer to as a "destination race".  Basically, that is a race that people travel to, not so much because of the physical attributes of the course, but more for the location of the course.  (though attributes of a course also make destination races).  The lure of this event is spending 6.6 kilometers on the Historic Route 66 - the actual Mother Road.

The race starts at Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup (and you can look up why it's spelled that way on their webpage at http://www.funksmaplesirup.com/#&panel1-1).  The race ends at the McLean, IL town square.  Participants park a couple of blocks from the FINISH line and take a shuttle to the starting line.  Shuttles begin at 6:15am and run continuously until 7:15am.  Race starts promptly at 8:00am - right in the middle of Route 66.  Right, smack dab, in the middle of the road.

Participants are treated to a scenic and leisurely starting area at Funks Grove.  There are historic buildings, sirup making tools, and an entire grove of trees - complete with a sap line running through them like a spider web.  Participants are also treated to a shot of Pure Maple Sirup prior to the race.  Yes, like in a shot glass.  Good for energy - right?  Right?  The entirety of the Funks Grove location is a nice relaxed and scenic setting to sit and talk, to collect thoughts, to stretch, to warm up, or to sight see.  Depending on how early one arrives, one can soak in as much atmosphere as they choose.

The race then heads down Route 66 - a very long, primarily flat, straightaway.  Literally, just straight for at least 3.75 of the 4.1 miles.  You can see runners way ahead and way behind - literally "you can see for miles".  Most of Historic Route 66 runs alongside Interstate 55, which adds some "cheerleaders" along the way.  Many many cars and trucks will sound their horns in encouragement for the runners, a couple of loud truck horns, or several quick car beeps.  With each one, nearly every runner waves back a "thank you wave".  Keeps the motivation up and keeps it fun, for the runners, and those enjoying the sites while traveling to who knows where.  A very cool built-in feature of the race.

At about 3.75 miles, the road curves and heads into McLean, IL.  It even goes from pavement to packed gravel (tightly packed, secure footing).  Participants run past some houses, with families and children cheering from their porches, to the finish line which is a turn later.

After the finish, participants pick up their swag bags, which includes a commemorative can holder and shot glass, plus coupons for 1 free drink (alcoholic or not) and free food in the town square.  In addition, there is the unique feature of $3.00 of credits to Arcadia - an arcade with vintage video and pinball games!!  It seemed after the awards ceremony concluded, the arcade was packed with people 40 and over, all those who grew up in video's heyday of the 80s.

In the town square there was a beer garden, food cooked on a grill, pet adoption, silent actions, a Route 66 backdrop for finisher photos, trivia contests, and a car show.  All in a perfect Route 66 small-town setting.  In, literally, the town square - a patch of grass and trees in the middle of the business district surrounded by roads.

This is a bucket-list race for any runner (or walker) who wants to experience authentic Route 66 in a unique way.