Events
Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66- Stop 1: Chicago 6.6K
Event Description
August 29, 2026 • Addams (Jane) Memorial Park
Chicago launches the Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 Series with a full‑scale kickoff celebration — movement, community, Route 66 history, and the inspiring story of Enric Casacuberta, who is running the entire Mother Road solo to raise awareness for ALS. Stop 1 is where your journey meets his.
Kickoff Run at 8 AM
The excitement starts early with speakers, music, community energy, and Route 66 hype beginning at 8 AM. Packet pickup opens at the same time, so runners can grab their gear, enjoy the festivities, and be part of the pre‑race buzz.
Kids Dash begins at 10:30 am free for kids 3-12 ALL KIDS WILL GET A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION AS LONG AS THEY ARE SIGNED UP. Shirts available for purchase until 08/15/2026
Run Begins at 9am
At 9am sharp, the 6.6K run takes off from Addams (Jane) Memorial Park — and this Chicago route delivers something special: You’ll see BOTH the Begin Route 66 sign and the End Route 66 sign on the same run. It’s symbolic, historic, and the perfect way to kick off your own Route 66 adventure alongside Enric’s.
What You Get
Event‑specific Stop 1 race shirt
Option to purchase the full‑series Solidarity Sidekick shirt
Custom Stop 1 bib
Finisher medal- any registrants after 08/15/2026 will not be guaranteed the Chicago charm on site- they will be mailed to any late registrants.
Swag bag- inspiration, sweet treat, national parks sticker, and as always you get to pick a swag item from our table
Post‑race refreshments
Entry into the Spirits Run raffle
Official timing + posted results
Sponsors and Raffles:
Crosstown Fitness- raffle
NUUN will be at hydration station #1
Dry Water will be at hydration station #2
Mezcla Protein bars will be at the finish line for a quick snack
Why We Run
Stop 1 supports ALS awareness through the Spirits Run Initiative — and honors Enric’s incredible cross‑country effort. Your 6.6K is the first step in a statewide journey of solidarity, wellness, and community impact.
Chicago sets the tone. The road ahead is legendary.
Let’s begin Route 66 the right way — loud, proud, and running with purpose.
DAY-OF SCHEDULE
10:00 AM - Kickoff Party & Check-In Opens
10:30 AM - Kids Dash Wave 1 (Ages 3-5)
10:40 AM - Kids Dash Wave 2 (Ages 6-8)
10:50 AM - Kids Dash Wave 3 (Ages 9-12)
12:00 PM - Solidarity Sidekick 6.6K Begins
Post-Race - Celebration, Refreshments & Raffle
KIDS DASH AT 10:30 AM - IT'S FREE!
Sign your kids up for the FREE Kids Dash and get everyone hyped up for the noon run! Kids 12 & under race in age-group waves and earn their very own finisher certificate. Limited to 100 kids - register early!
Optional youth shirts available for purchase. Sign up online or day-of. Parent/guardian waiver required at check-in.
Packet pickup is available race day morning starting at 10:00 AM at Addams (Jane) Memorial Park, 550 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL. No pre-race packet pickup — everything is day-of!
yes
No there is not- we will have festivities at the finish line and we will not stop cheering until everyone returns!
They are allowed- we ask that you keep them low so you can hear oncoming traffic and volunteers that are directing you.
Yes! Packet pickup is race day only, starting at 10:00 AM at Addams (Jane) Memorial Park. Someone else may pick up your packet on your behalf.
IMPORTANT: If you are picking up a packet but will NOT be racing, please let us know ahead of time. We account for every registered runner at the finish line and have had to wait for participants who never ran. A quick heads-up goes a long way — thank you!
Addams (Jane) Memorial Park is located at 550 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. Street parking is available in the surrounding area. Several paid parking garages are also nearby, including those along Grand Ave and Illinois St. We recommend arriving early as parking near the lakefront can fill up quickly on weekends!
Yes! We will have two staffed water stations along the course. If volunteers are unavailable, water bottles will be placed at the 1.5 mile and 3 mile marks. Stay hydrated out there!
Yes! Every registered runner receives:
- A custom Stop 1 Route 66 race shirt (included with registration)
- A finisher medal
- A swag bag with post-race refreshments
- Entry into the Spirits Run raffle
Optional: Full-series Route 66 shirts are also available for purchase as an add-on during registration.
Contact Form
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Event Location
Addams (Jane) Memorial Park
550 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611 US
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