By Blake Haas
Funks Grove – With history as its background, runners through central Illinois can embark on the 5th annual get your 6.6 on route 66 run with a fundraising goal of over $2,000.
The 5th annual Route 66 run is designed for runners to embark on 6.6k [4.1 miles], while running from Funks Grove to McLean in order to raise money to boost tourism traveling by on Route 66 on Aug. 25.
“The run starts on Route 66, just a little bit north of the entrance to Funks Grove Pure Maple Syrup,” said Katie Funk, Community Organization for Revitalization and Expansion President. “It’s a 6.6k which is a little over 4 miles. [Runners] are stopping in McLean and then we will shuttle them to the start line. Once [runners] get to the start line then they can get a shot of maple syrup before [the race starts]. Then you can either run or walk and once you end up on the square runners will get t-shirts and we are also going to have music, food and drinks on the square.”
The event is organized by the CORE of McLean, which is an organization comprising of a small group of volunteers to beautify and enhance McLean to build community pride, attract new residents and tourists, bolster the local economy, and improve the lives of current residents. Funk noted that with the help of volunteers, CORE is designed to improve the looks of the town.
“We’re raising money to do projects here in McLean to improve the ascetics of the town,” added Funk. “Were a small town [with a population of 806] and we are right off of Route 66 so we don’t get a lot of people stopping in and we [CORE of McLean] think this is a really good opportunity to draw people in and draw more businesses in the town and kind of revitalize the town a little bit.”
Proceeds from the run/walk will be mainly used to attract tourists by traveling on Route 66 and, consequently, bring more business, life, and activity into the small town. Funk said with the race growing every year, more than 200 runners are expect in attendance this year.
“One of the things that people really like the best about it is that there is not a lot of runs that you can actually be on the road,” said Funk. “We get the road closed down. [Runners] will start out in Funks Grove and then you will get out on the open road and then coming into town into the residential area right by the rail road tracks in our downtown, so its kind of a progression of running.”
After the run/walk Ruby’s Rescue & Retreat will be on the square with adoptable dogs including a classic car show and a beer tent with a team trivia event, live music, and food and drink for purchase.
The cost to participate in the run/walk is $35 until July 15, then the cost increases to $40 dollars. Runners or walkers can register at www.mclean-il.com.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
