New Historic Highway Hustle Race Series Celebrates the Mother Road During Its Centennial Year

Heritage Corridor Destinations is a proud partner of the Historic Highway Hustle, a new racing series on The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. 

Hosted by the Wilmington Park District, the Historic Highway Hustle features three 6.6K races that blend athletic challenge, rich history, and roadside Americana. Each race celebrates a legendary stop along the Mother Road during its centennial year.  

The Historic Highway Hustle kicks off with the Run the Rock 6.6K at the Old Joliet Prison on Sunday, May 3. Participants will feel the adrenaline as they weave through the imposing prison grounds where towering limestone walls echo with stories of another era.  

The next stop on the race route is Wilmington, home of the iconic 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant. Named for the city's most iconic attraction, the Giant Summer Run 6.6K will take place on Saturday, June 6.  

The final stretch of the Historic Highway Hustle is the Dwight Pit Stop 6.6K on Saturday, Jully 11. Participants can take in the vintage ambiance of Amblers Texaco Gas Station, an immaculately preserved slice of Americana that transports you to the golden age of American road travel. 

"We are so excited to present the Historic Highway Hustle to our community!" said Kirsten Van Duyne, Executive Director of the Wilmington Park District. "This event gives participants the chance to see Route 66 like never before and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime, 100-year celebration of this iconic highway plus memorable take home items only available for race participants. We can’t wait to see you at the 6.6Ks and all the other exciting events we have in store this year!"

 Every race offers participants collectible swag, lively local entertainment, and the chance to explore communities that proudly keep the spirit of Route 66 alive. Runners that complete all three events will receive three interlocking medals that form the Route 66 shield.  The series will also feature virtual races for participants who cannot attend in person but don't want to miss out on the commemorative swag. 

Join fellow athletes, history lovers, and adventure seekers as you journey Route 66 on foot, town by town. Registration fees are $45 per race, or $120 for all three races. Lace up and make your mark on history! 

Register for Run the Rock 6.6K at the Old Joliet Prison 

Register for the Giant Summer Run 6.6K in Wilmington 

Register for the Dwight Pit Stop 6.6K