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As part of the City of Springfield’s 100th anniversary celebration of Route 66, Route 66 Motorheads will host a Centennial cultural gathering on Saturday, June 6 centered on the journey of endurance runner Tomasz Sobania.
The day begins with the independently organized Route 66 Centennial 5K Footrace to be held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and continues at Motorheads with an invitation only MarathonsAcrossAmerica.com cultural program inspired by Tomasz Sobania’s run across the United States and the communities along Route 66.
Sobania gained international attention after running the equivalent of 125 nearly consecutive marathons across America, covering more than 3,300 miles from New York to California, much of it along Route 66. His journey continues with his 50/50/50 expedition, fifty marathons in fifty states in fifty days, a feat unfolding in real time and connecting communities across the country.
The program will include a live national check in with Sobania during his current run, placing Springfield within the arc of that journey.
At the center of the gathering will be a live performance by Dagga, whose music has become closely tied to the emotional landscape of Sobania’s run. Her work captures the rhythm, isolation, and resilience of long distance endurance, giving voice to moments that often unfold in silence.
Joining her will be legendary ultrarunner Dean Karnazes, whose career helped define modern endurance culture. Known for running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days and for his transcontinental run across the United States, Karnazes offers perspective on the path Sobania is now extending.
Also featured is Urszula Musik, who completed a marathon on all seven continents within a single year, bringing a global perspective to the conversation around endurance and commitment.
Filmmakers behind the Marathons Across America project will be in attendance, sharing insights from the road and the stories emerging along the way.
“This isn’t about a finish line. It’s about recognizing the kind of effort that brings people together across towns, cultures, and distance. Route 66 has always carried those stories, and this is one more chapter being lived in real time.” Alexander M. Klymko, Producer
The afternoon will include special guests, remarks from civic participants, and recognition of United Way of Central Illinois as a community partner.
By placing Sobania’s journey at the center of its Centennial programming, Springfield continues its role as a living chapter of Route 66, where movement, resilience, and human connection intersect.
This is a credentialed Centennial cultural gathering. Attendance is limited to registered 5K participants and special invitation guests only. Registered Route 66 Centennial 5K participants will be credentialed for access to the afternoon program at Motorheads. Guests will also have the opportunity to support United Way of Central Illinois as part of the event with a suggested $20.00 charitable gift.
To follow Tomasz Sobania’s journey across America, visit MarathonsAcrossAmerica.com.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Alex Klymko at 914-954-4059 or via e-mail at alexklymko@gmail.com.
