Route 66 Race to the Rocker Bigger and Better
Race to the Rocker, Cuba
Cuba, Mo. — Race director Brad Austin promises the Route 66 Race to the Rocker on March 31 will be bigger and better this year. This is the fourth year for the community event, which pulls runners from all over the Midwest to take part in the four-mile race that starts at the Mizell Funeral Home and continues on Route 66 to the Fanning US 66 Outpost General Store, home of the Guinness World’s Record Largest Rocking Chair. At more than 42-feet-tall, the rocker is all for bigger and better.
The Friday Night Business and Fitness Expo on March 30 will be held at the Cuba High School in order to provide better parking and plenty of room for race sponsors to set up informational/merchandise tables. Frisco’s Grill is furnishing all the food; Cuba 4-H groups are going to offer a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. so runners can carb-up before Saturday’s rain or shine 9 a.m. race. Participants can pick up race packets and T-shirts on Friday evening or Saturday morning; as well as bring a canned food or personal hygiene item to benefit the food bank and the Friday Backpack for Kids program.
On Saturday morning, the Cuba High School parking lot will be available for parking before the race; shuttle buses will take runners to the race registration area beginning at 7:30 a.m. More buses will be available this year for both pre- and post-race shuttles. Bag drops are available at the beginning of the race with pickup at the Rocker finish area.
There will be music and other events along the course to inspire runners. Along with an orange Race to the Rocker T-shirt, runners will receive Cuba’s signature treat of two baby cakes from the Route 66 Fudge Shop. In addition, race division winners will get Route 66 Race to the Rocker candy bars.
Big River Running, from St. Louis, will provide race numbers with chip timing and will post times and results online. Both lanes of Route 66 will be closed from Kinder Cemetery to the rocker between 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. The Missouri Highway Patrol as well as local fire, EMT, and police officials will help with course management.
Almost $35,000 for kids’ fitness/health projects was raised in the first three races. This year’s funds will go to the Friday Backpacks for Kids Program; two scholarships for track and cross country students; purchase or rehabilitation of weight room equipment; and ongoing investigation of the Rails to Trails program.
“We are signing up volunteers and sponsors to make it all happen and run smoothly.” Austin says. “This race is a community event and effort, and Cuba’s wonderful support has allowed the race to grow each year and raise so much for our kids and their health and fitness.”
Race organizers have set a goal of 1,000 runners/walkers to make it the largest race to date. The race is open to all ability levels and age groups. Faster runners will be placed in the front of the pack to ensure the safety of all. Feel free to costume up to make it a colorful race. Bring your cameras and spend some time in the “Route 66 Mural City” after the race.
For details, registration forms, and flyers, visit www.jog-inc.com.
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Contact: Brad Austin
baustin@peoplesbk.com
573-205-1866
