So, it is unusual for me to post pictures with these entries, but, this is Route 66!! There are exceptions to all rules!!
The race starts directly ON Route 66, right where the 66 road badge is painted. The race then heads south down Route 66, the Half Marathon goes further south than the 5k. Both events reach a turn-around point and head north back under the start line arch. They then continue north until a small turn-around on a gravel alley an the back south again - and back under the arch again.
The 5k route, shortly after going under the arch makes a sharp left hand turn for the remaining .01% of the race, which is not on the actual road - but rather - on the entrance to an active 66 year old DRIVE-IN THEATER!! Runners head towards the finish line on the very same gravel drive-way that drive-in patrons use, and the finish line is just behind the outside of the giant screen! (Half-marathon runners finish here too, but have to run the loop twice before finishing)
There are a few water stops along the route, as well as people lining he streets near the start line on both sides, cheering on all runners. Some of them are family members and friends of participants, and some are local residents who bring out a folding chair and cheer on the runners.
The entire police force, which is relatively small, being a small town, is out to direct traffic as the route crosses a few side streets and 1 major road. These officers are extremely friendly to the runners, as they respond with "Thank YOU for coming out" or "Good luck" or "Keep up the good work" in response to the participants saying "Thank you officers". The road is closed, and the police control the crossing at the main road to make sure no runners have to stop for cars. The drivers were also patient as some were even seen clapping out the window as runners went by.
The route is mostly flat, though there is an extremely gradual up-hill climb heading south, but the it's also the same length downhill heading north. Very smooth course - and as they say in the running world - flat and fast. The only gravel is the one turn-around and the finish line at the drive-in. The course passes several businesses proudly named after Route 66 or with some sort of Route 66 tribute on the property.
The drive-in is the host, and participants are allowed to park inside the drive-in. And what was funny to see there - every single driver parked as if they were going to watch a movie. Cars started filling in from the middle then outward. Drivers pulled up on the mounds and next to the "speaker stands" (no speakers anymore, all by radio now). Even though there was no need to park in such a manner - every driver parked as if they were there to watch a movie.
For any Route 66 fan - this is a bucket-list race for sure. And walkers are more than welcome, especially on the 5k version. One could actually enjoy a leisurely walk down memory lane instead of a leisurely run if they chose.
I think the attached photos tell the story better than I do.
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