Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It’s time to “Run” at least part of the mother road! The Centennial 5K starts out at the fairgrounds Saturday!

Springfield Tourism Chief, Scott Dahl, guest runner for the 5k, Dean Karnazes, and a part of the festivities, Alex Klymco all “ran” to the WTAX Morning Newswatch to tell Will Stevenson all about the fun!

“Route 66 Centennial 5K kicks off at 8 AM at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 experience,” said Scott Dahl, Springfield Tourism Director. “It is sold out, though. The 3.1 miles around the Illinois State Fairgrounds and one mile around the fastest dirt mile in the world. It’s the first time that we’ve been able to run around that that mile. So that’s going to be interesting and going to be fun.”

With the experience of running Route 66, Karnazes — a world-class runner — lets us in on what he thinks.

“It’s a more immersive experience when you’re running on Route 66 versus driving. I’ve run on Route 66 many, many times, and it’s the people. It’s more than the running, it’s the history, it’s the lore, it’s all about celebrating this great connector that’s been here for 100 years now.”

Klymco, lets us know what this is all about!

“Route 66, the mother road has directly connected so many people, and it continues to do so. It became less of a spectacle and more of what happens when you slow down and start to meet people in the country. “

Spectators are welcome at the fairgrounds. A party for runners will be held later in the day Saturday at Route 66 Motorheads. That is a private event.