Route 66 Mother Road 5K Foot Race 2026

The Route 66 Mother Road 5K Foot Race is a 5K held in downtown Springfield, Illinois, beginning at the northeast corner of Old State Capitol Plaza. The race connects to the centennial of historic Route 66 and occurs during the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. A 1 Mile Fun Run and a Virtual 5K option are also available, accommodating runners seeking the full distance, families preferring a shorter route, and participants joining remotely. The 5K course consists of three loops on closed festival streets, each loop slightly over a mile. Runners share the environment with the festival’s classic cars, lending the race a Route 66 street-party atmosphere rather than a typical neighborhood 5K. Participants receive Route 66-themed merchandise, including a medal and event shirt. Awards are presented to the top overall male and female finishers and the leading runners in five-year age categories.