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 Rewards:
🏅 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
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Glow‑in‑the‑dark Illinois medal (only at your first completed stop)
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City‑specific charm
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Swag bag
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Refreshments
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Raffles
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Event shirt available for purchase
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
August 29, 2026 • Addams (Jane) Memorial Park
Chicago launches the Solidarity Sidekick (we are Enric's Sidekick) Down Route 66 Series with a full‑scale kickoff celebration — movement, community, Route 66 history, and the inspiring story of Enric Casacuberta, who is running the entire Mother Road solo to raise awareness for ALS. Stop 1 is where your journey meets his.
Kickoff Run at 8 AM
The excitement starts early with speakers, music, community energy, and Route 66 hype beginning at 8 AM. Packet pickup opens at the same time, so runners can grab their gear, enjoy the festivities, and be part of the pre‑race buzz.
Kids Dash begins at 10:30 am free for kids 3-12 ALL KIDS WILL GET A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION AS LONG AS THEY ARE SIGNED UP. Shirts available for purchase until 08/15/2026
Run Begins at 9am
At 9am sharp, the 6.6K run takes off from Addams (Jane) Memorial Park — and this Chicago route delivers something special: You’ll see BOTH the Begin Route 66 sign and the End Route 66 sign on the same run. It’s symbolic, historic, and the perfect way to kick off your own Route 66 adventure alongside Enric’s.
What You Get
Event‑specific Stop 1 race shirt
Option to purchase the full‑series Solidarity Sidekick shirt
Custom Stop 1 bib
Finisher medal- any registrants after 08/15/2026 will not be guaranteed the Chicago charm on site- they will be mailed to any late registrants.
Swag bag- inspiration, sweet treat, national parks sticker, and as always you get to pick a swag item from our table
Post‑race refreshments
Entry into the Spirits Run raffle
Official timing + posted results
Sponsors and Raffles:
Crosstown Fitness- raffle
NUUN will be at hydration station #1
Dry Water will be at hydration station #2
Mezcla Protein bars will be at the finish line for a quick snack
Dude Wipes for when you need them!
Daily Crunch Snacks
Vital Proteins
Why We Run
Stop 1 supports ALS awareness through the Spirits Run Initiative — and honors Enric’s incredible cross‑country effort. Your 6.6K is the first step in a statewide journey of solidarity, wellness, and community impact.
Chicago sets the tone. The road ahead is legendary.
Let’s begin Route 66 the right way — loud, proud, and running with purpose.
DAY-OF SCHEDULE
8:00 AM - Kickoff Party & Check-In Opens
9:00 AM - 6.6k Takes Off
10:30 AM - Kids Dash Wave 1 (Ages 3-5)
10:40 AM - Kids Dash Wave 2 (Ages 6-8)
10:50 AM - Kids Dash Wave 3 (Ages 9-12)
12:00 PM - Solidarity Sidekick 6.6K Begins
Post-Race - Celebration, Refreshments & Raffle
KIDS DASH AT 10:30 AM - IT'S FREE!
Sign your kids up for the FREE Kids Dash and get everyone hyped up for the noon run! Kids 12 & under race in age-group waves and earn their very own finisher certificate. Limited to 100 kids - register early!
Optional youth shirts available for purchase. Sign up online or day-of. Parent/guardian waiver required at check-in.
Packet pickup is available race day morning starting at 10:00 AM at Addams (Jane) Memorial Park, 550 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL. No pre-race packet pickup — everything is day-of!
yes, you can register on race day, but you will need to arrive early registration will close at 9am.
No there is not- we will have festivities at the finish line and we will not stop cheering until everyone returns!
They are allowed- we ask that you keep them low so you can hear oncoming traffic and volunteers that are directing you.
Yes! Packet pickup is race day only, starting at 7:00 AM at Addams (Jane) Memorial Park. Someone else may pick up your packet on your behalf.
IMPORTANT: If you are picking up a packet but will NOT be racing, please let us know ahead of time. We account for every registered runner at the finish line and have had to wait for participants who never ran. A quick heads-up goes a long way — thank you!
Addams (Jane) Memorial Park is located at 550 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. Street parking is available in the surrounding area. Several paid parking garages are also nearby, including those along Grand Ave and Illinois St. We recommend arriving early as parking near the lakefront can fill up quickly on weekends! There are parking garages in Navy Pier also.
Yes! We will have two staffed water stations along the course. If volunteers are unavailable, water bottles will be placed at the 1.5 mile and 3 mile marks. Stay hydrated out there!
Yes! Every registered runner receives:
- A custom Stop 1 Route 66 race shirt (included with registration)
- A finisher medal
- A swag bag with post-race refreshments
- Entry into the Spirits Run raffle
Optional: Full-series Route 66 shirts are also available for purchase as an add-on during registration.
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Addams (Jane) Memorial Park
550 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611 US
View Location on Map
Donation Description
$13
Raised of $1,000
ALS is the main mission behind the Solidarity Sidekick Series. Donations primarily support ALS awareness, advocacy, and community outreach. Participants may also choose to donate to the Route 66 Centennial or Alzheimer’s awareness. Every contribution strengthens our ability to host meaningful events across Illinois and support the causes that matter to our communities.
