Historic Highway Hustle Crosses the Finish Line in Dwight for Route 66 Centennial Finale
DWIGHT, IL — The finish line is in sight for one of Illinois’ most unique Route 66 celebrations.
The Wilmington Park District is excited to welcome runners and Route 66 enthusiasts to Dwight, Illinois, for the final race in the Historic Highway Hustle series—a one-of-a-kind 6.6K race experience created in honor of the Route 66 Centennial.
After successful races in Joliet (virtual) and Wilmington, participants will complete their journey by running along a historic stretch of the legendary Mother Road in Dwight, bringing the three-race series to an unforgettable close.
“This series has been about so much more than running,” said Wilmington Park District Executive Director Kirsten Van Duyne. “It’s been about celebrating the communities that make Route 66 so special, encouraging people to explore local history, and creating an experience that only comes around once in a lifetime. We couldn’t ask for a better place than Dwight to host the grand finale.”
Each stop along the Historic Highway Hustle showcased a different community rich in Route 66 history, encouraging participants to discover iconic landmarks, local businesses, museums, restaurants, and attractions that continue to preserve the spirit of America’s most famous highway.
Throughout the series, runners earned a custom finisher medal at each race. Together, the three medals create a unique commemorative keepsake celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Route 66. The collectible medal series was made possible through the support of Enjoy Illinois and Heritage Corridor Destinations, giving participants a lasting reminder of this once-in-a-centennial experience.
The Wilmington Park District extends its sincere appreciation to the Village of Dwight, The Country Mansion and local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who have enthusiastically embraced the event and helped make the finale a memorable celebration.
“This has truly been a community effort,” said Van Duyne. “From the incredible hospitality shown by Dwight to the support of our tourism partners and volunteers, everyone has helped make this series something special. We are grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
More than just a race, the Historic Highway Hustle invited participants to experience the charm, history, and character of three Illinois Route 66 communities while completing a memorable 6.6K—a distance chosen as a tribute to the iconic highway itself.
As the Route 66 Centennial continues to bring visitors from across the country to Illinois, the Historic Highway Hustle stands as a celebration of community pride, outdoor recreation, and the enduring legacy of the Mother Road.
For more information about the Historic Highway Hustle and future Wilmington Park District events, visit www.islandparkdistrict.com, follow us on FB @wilmingtonparkdistrict or signup to participate at Dwight Pit Stop 6.6k.
