Hello family, friends, and fans,
We recently announced that due to the impact of Coronavirus on the Route 66 community of Arizona, our Association voted to cancel the Fun Run for 2021. As previously stated, this decision didn’t come lightly and wasn’t an easy one to make. Our communities depend on the Fun Run and other local events to lift up our economies, spirit, and morale. Rather than resting, we’ve pivoted to begin to work on improving our digital experience and forming tighter bonds with our close neighbors. We’re looking forward to sharing more on that along with other items we plan to announce soon. While the board is always ready to listen, work with, and evolve alongside the community – both local and abroad - it’s important to state the reasons behind our decision, and not merely the decision alone. To be direct, our communities have suffered – some more than others, but the pain isn’t exclusive and in rural Arizona, we’ve shared in that together throughout this experience.
Northern AZ has been peppered by daily updates about those they know who’ve passed away as a direct result of the virus. In periods of less than 48 hours, we’ve seen over a dozen individuals succumb to the virus in single towns that have populations of less than ten thousand. Many of you who’ve frequented the area may have a favorite local restaurant or small business. When the owners of these iconic locations pass it sends a ripple through our consciousness. In the worst of cases, it can signal the end of an era. There is no dollar amount that can serve as recompense for the memories, experiences, and positive influence these people have had on our organization, their local communities, and the broader Route 66 identity. We cannot forge new opportunities with them, laugh with them, learn from them – and that is our pain. What we can do is honor their memory and history as we do with the unifying Mother Road.
The Fun Run passes through a few small communities on the West end of the state which are still working to navigate the pandemic. From helping merchants step into the digital space to renovations on buildings via our new grant, there’s a long list of great works going on. When things normalize we’ll be able to celebrate those gains together, as a whole. Until then, we still want to host guests and share the 66 experience with all of our fans in the safest way possible. Logistically we can support traditional vacation traffic while providing a safe environment all down the road. Managing an event that has the potential to reach more than 2,000 participants from across the country is another thing entirely. Our mission is clear in its directive - to preserve, promote, and protect Route 66. Those words are so much more than a slogan for us – they're the rallying call of our identity, the manifestation of our founder's passion, and a lifelong commitment. We have great hopes for a phenomenal Fun Run in 2022 and are confident that the work we put in now will make for a fantastic comeback event next year.
We have nothing but love and positivity for you all and what is the ever-growing global community of Route 66.
- Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
We recently announced that due to the impact of Coronavirus on the Route 66 community of Arizona, our Association voted to cancel the Fun Run for 2021. As previously stated, this decision didn’t come lightly and wasn’t an easy one to make. Our communities depend on the Fun Run and other local events to lift up our economies, spirit, and morale. Rather than resting, we’ve pivoted to begin to work on improving our digital experience and forming tighter bonds with our close neighbors. We’re looking forward to sharing more on that along with other items we plan to announce soon. While the board is always ready to listen, work with, and evolve alongside the community – both local and abroad - it’s important to state the reasons behind our decision, and not merely the decision alone. To be direct, our communities have suffered – some more than others, but the pain isn’t exclusive and in rural Arizona, we’ve shared in that together throughout this experience.
Northern AZ has been peppered by daily updates about those they know who’ve passed away as a direct result of the virus. In periods of less than 48 hours, we’ve seen over a dozen individuals succumb to the virus in single towns that have populations of less than ten thousand. Many of you who’ve frequented the area may have a favorite local restaurant or small business. When the owners of these iconic locations pass it sends a ripple through our consciousness. In the worst of cases, it can signal the end of an era. There is no dollar amount that can serve as recompense for the memories, experiences, and positive influence these people have had on our organization, their local communities, and the broader Route 66 identity. We cannot forge new opportunities with them, laugh with them, learn from them – and that is our pain. What we can do is honor their memory and history as we do with the unifying Mother Road.
The Fun Run passes through a few small communities on the West end of the state which are still working to navigate the pandemic. From helping merchants step into the digital space to renovations on buildings via our new grant, there’s a long list of great works going on. When things normalize we’ll be able to celebrate those gains together, as a whole. Until then, we still want to host guests and share the 66 experience with all of our fans in the safest way possible. Logistically we can support traditional vacation traffic while providing a safe environment all down the road. Managing an event that has the potential to reach more than 2,000 participants from across the country is another thing entirely. Our mission is clear in its directive - to preserve, promote, and protect Route 66. Those words are so much more than a slogan for us – they're the rallying call of our identity, the manifestation of our founder's passion, and a lifelong commitment. We have great hopes for a phenomenal Fun Run in 2022 and are confident that the work we put in now will make for a fantastic comeback event next year.
We have nothing but love and positivity for you all and what is the ever-growing global community of Route 66.
- Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
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Frequently Asked QuestionsAre we able to make stops along the way during the fun run?
Saturday's schedule is jam packed with activities from Seligman to Kingman on Route 66. Each community and business features their own live music, food and drink specials, or tours. The lead car leaves Seligman around 10:00 AM. Participants who have elected to have their vehicle judged will need to be in Kingman by 3:00 PM. The judges will conduct their evaluations from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. That leaves you several hours for you and your party to stop along Route 66 and enjoy the different events. If you drive straight through, the drive is around 1.5 hours from start to finish. Should I make my own accommodations?
Yes, all participants should make their own hotel arrangements. We suggest you secure your rooms ahead of time, as it's a busy time of year. The Fun Run starts in Seligman Friday afternoon. The first car leaves from Seligman Saturday morning for Kingman, and then Sunday morning, participants travel from Kingman to Topock. Friday staying in Seligman is the best option. There are a few motels in town. Book early and call back if they are full to check for cancellations. If you cannot say in Seligman, Williams or Kingman would be fine to overnight as well. DO I HAVE TO GO TO EVERYTHING?
No, you do not. The schedule is used as a guide for you to organize your perfect weekend. Not interested in driving to Seligman on Friday? You can elect to pick up your packet in Kingman on Friday. Just want to do the car show in Kingman? You can do that! Would you like to experience it all? Grab some coffee and join us in all the fun from Seligman, to Kingman, to Topock! HOW DOES JUDGING WORK?
Out of town judges will be out judging cars from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Association and Fun Run Committee are not involved in the judging process and only receive the results. You can opt in or out of having your vehicle judged. There are 66 categories we award. The awards ceremony is held at the Topock Community Center. Definitely plan on attending, it's a lot of fun! You must be present to win an award, they will not be shipped, as they are fragile. How much is it to Register?
Registration is $55.00 per vehicle |
How it all started...
More than 800 vehicles carrying thousands of friends will be joining the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona from May 1st-3rd for a weekend of adventure! Fun Run participants from across the globe will meet in Seligman to travel a 140 mile stretch of Route 66 with events planned in nearly every community along the way! The procession will conclude in Topock / Golden Shores with an awesome award ceremony to cap-off the weekend.
The annual Fun Run fundraiser traces it's roots to early 1987 - when 15 individuals embarked on an ambitious journey to champion the rebirth of Route 66. This collaboration lead to the formation of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. Recognizing capital as a vital component of their work and the absolute importance of community, the Association got creative and the Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run was born. That following the spring, the First Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run attracted the 152 entrants! The governor of Arizona, Rose Mofford, cut the ceremonial ribbons, Will Rogers, Jr. participated as the first Grand Marshal, and the Delgadillo's band headlined the event - it was a blast!
Today, the experience has become a tradition. It's continued success has allowed the Association to aggressively pursue it's mission for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Mother Road. In many ways, it embodies all that we love of Route 66 - family, community, cars, and Americana. The Association will always stay true to those things that made the first Fun Run work - creating a relaxing, fun packed weekend of camaraderie, cars and the celebration of an American icon... Historic Route 66.
The annual Fun Run fundraiser traces it's roots to early 1987 - when 15 individuals embarked on an ambitious journey to champion the rebirth of Route 66. This collaboration lead to the formation of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. Recognizing capital as a vital component of their work and the absolute importance of community, the Association got creative and the Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run was born. That following the spring, the First Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run attracted the 152 entrants! The governor of Arizona, Rose Mofford, cut the ceremonial ribbons, Will Rogers, Jr. participated as the first Grand Marshal, and the Delgadillo's band headlined the event - it was a blast!
Today, the experience has become a tradition. It's continued success has allowed the Association to aggressively pursue it's mission for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Mother Road. In many ways, it embodies all that we love of Route 66 - family, community, cars, and Americana. The Association will always stay true to those things that made the first Fun Run work - creating a relaxing, fun packed weekend of camaraderie, cars and the celebration of an American icon... Historic Route 66.
