Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66

What Is Solidarity Sidekick?

Solidarity Sidekick is the statewide movement supporting Enric Casacuberta’s solo run down Route 66 to raise awareness for ALS. Every participant becomes a “Sidekick” — running 6.6K and joining Enric in person for his first two miles in each Illinois town. Each town was designated by Enric as his daily start point based on the mileage he plans to complete. The 18 Illinois stops follow the historic Route 66 corridor, connecting communities through movement, wellness, and purpose.

Who Is Enric Casacuberta?

Enric Casacuberta is a runner from Spain completing a once‑in‑a‑lifetime challenge: running the entire 2,400+ miles of Route 66 solo to raise awareness for ALS. He carries the names of people affected by ALS, shares their stories, and uses his journey to spotlight the need for research, support, and hope. Illinois is the longest stretch of his run — and every Spirits Run event helps amplify his mission.

About the 18 stop series

The Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 Series includes 18 stops across Illinois, each located in a historic Route 66 town. The stops follow the original Mother Road path — from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge — creating a statewide adventure lets us join Enric on his Route 66 run. Are you ready to wake up and Run with Enric for 18 days?

Solidarity Sidekick Series Rewar

🏅 One Medal Per Participant

Every participant receives one glow‑in‑the‑dark medal shaped like the state of Illinois. You do not earn additional medals for completing multiple stops.

✨ Collectible Charms for Each Stop

Each stop has its own unique charm featuring the city’s Route 66 identity. Participants collect one charm per stop they complete — building their full Route 66 charm set as they move through the series.

🎁 What You Get at Every Stop

Glow‑in‑the‑dark Illinois medal (only at your first completed stop)
City‑specific charm
Swag bag
Refreshments
Raffles
Event shirt available for purchase- first 20 receive a free shirt

Insert medal shirt and charms

Virtual Option Explained

Can’t attend in person? Run your 6.6K anywhere — anytime between August 29 and October 31. Virtual participants receive the same medal, swag, and recognition. Your miles still count toward the 18‑stop challenge, and your run still supports ALS awareness.

Event Description

Join us for Stop 3: Joliet 6.6K on August 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM as we continue our journey down historic Route 66. We’ll meet at the Route 66 Park in Joliet run down the Mother Road, and return for a 6.6K celebrating the Route 66 Centennial and our shared mission for ALS.

Sponsors: Haunted Trails and El Sabor Latino

Ice Cream and Raffles after the race!

After the run, enjoy a relaxed cool‑down and refreshments with fellow participants and supporters — a chance to connect with the Spirits Run community and celebrate another completed stop.

⭐ Series Rewards
Every participant receives one official series medal. Each time you complete a stop, you’ll earn a new Route 66 charm to add to your medal — building your collection one town at a time. Your series. Your pace. All for one cause.

⭐ Shirts
Event shirts available for 1st 20 signups

⭐ What You Get
Custom Stop 3: Joliet 6.6K bib
Joliet Route 66 charm for your medal
Post‑run celebration with the Spirits Run community
Support for ALS awareness and Enric’s Route 66 mission
⭐ Mission
This series raises funds and awareness for ALS, honoring those living with the disease and supporting Enric Casacuberta as he runs the entire Illinois stretch of Route 66 to shine a light on the ALS community. Every registration fuels the mission — community by community, mile by mile.

Event Day Schedule:

8:00 am Bib Pick up and check in

9:00 am 6.6K starts

10:30 am Ice cream and RIch and Creamy, photos, samples.