Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 – Stop 17 – Staunton 6.6K 2026

Description

A quirky Route 66 classic — where rabbits, VW Rabbits, and big hearts meet. Welcome to Stop 17 of the Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66 series — a 6.6K run/walk through Staunton, home to one of the most iconic and delightfully quirky attractions on the entire Mother Road: Henry’s Rabbit Ranch. Part roadside museum, part VW Rabbit graveyard, part Route 66 storytelling hub — this stop is pure Illinois Route 66 charm.

With its vintage gas station façade, towering signpost, friendly rabbits (both furry and Volkswagen), and decades of traveler history, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch is the perfect anchor for this event. It’s a place that makes people smile the moment they arrive — and that energy fits beautifully with the spirit of this series.

This series also stands in solidarity with Enric Casacuberta, who is running the entire Illinois stretch of Route 66 solo to honor those living with ALS. At each stop, participants join Enric for a 2.1‑mile shared run, a symbolic “sidekick” segment that reminds him — and every family touched by ALS — that no one travels this road alone. Staunton offers one of the most joyful meet‑up points, where humor, history, and heart come together.

Event Highlights 6.6K Route 66 Course: A scenic run beginning at the legendary Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, one of the most photographed stops on the Mother Road. Run With Enric: Join him for the 2.1‑mile shared segment as he continues his statewide ALS journey. Quirky Americana: VW Rabbits, real rabbits, vintage signage, and a classic station façade — Staunton’s personality shines. Sidekick Spirit: Honoring the friends, families, and supporters who walk alongside those facing ALS. Community‑Driven: Open to all paces and all ages — Staunton’s warmth and humor make this stop unforgettable. Series Momentum: Earn your Stop 17 badge as you help carry the Route 66 torch toward the final Illinois miles.

Why 6.6K? Each event in this series honors the Mother Road itself — 6.6 kilometers symbolizing the 2,400‑mile journey of Route 66 and the long, winding road families travel with ALS. Your miles matter. Your presence matters. Your solidarity matters.

Be Part of the Journey Staunton is a stop that brings joy, nostalgia, and heart — a reminder that even the quirkiest places can hold deep meaning. When you show up here, you’re helping lift Enric’s journey, amplify ALS awareness, and strengthen a statewide movement built on compassion and courage.

Lace up. Show up. Stand with us. Side by side. Mile by mile. Down Route 66.