Join the Centennial Celebration on Route 66! For the 100- and 140-mile races you can register in the Crewed Runner (CR) or Relay Team (RT) division, with approximately 25 CRs and 5 RTs allowed per distance. Just 5 JRs will be allowed in the 140-mile race only.
In 2026 the Route 66 UltraRun will offer the Route 66 CenturyRun 100-mile race to celebrate the Centennial of Route 66. Starting on the Hualapai Indian Reservation just west of Peach Springs, AZ, the race will continue on the longest remaining stretch of Historic Route 66 in the United States to the same finish line as the 140-mile UltraRun at Topock66.
Find your Route to the full UltraRun by participating in the CenturyRun as a Crewed Runner or as a member of a three- to five-person Relay Team. With a 48-hour cutoff, the CenturyRun is A Race for Everyone, from those running their first 100-miler to slow-paced runners, or walkers, who want every step to tell a story. For the CenturyRun we recommend two crew members, but will consider a single crew person for experienced runners and crew folks.
To experience 140-Miles of History from Seligman to Topock66 you can participate in the UltraRun as a Crewed Runner, Journey Runner, or member of a three- to six-person Relay Team. Crewed Runners must be supported by at least two and no more than four crew folks. Journey Runners must have completed at least a 100-mile race self-supported. Journey Runners can have three drop bags at the Time Stations and will have access to water (only) stops no more than 20 miles apart.
Whatever size Relay Team you choose all teams will compete (equally) against each other in the Relay Team division for either the 100- or 140-mile distance. Who will be your your team captain? What size team will be the fastest out there on the Historic Route? Or which size team is the most fun? There are no set distances or transition points; decide who runs when and for how long, and adjust your plan as needed along the Route. Use one vehicle and all stay together (3-person teams must all stay together the entire race). Or you can have a main crew vehicle, always with at least 2 non-running members on board, and a shuttle vehicle to allow some members to go to a hotel to rest during part of the race. It’s all about strategy, baby!
Registration opens for both distances and all divisions on January 1, 2026. Stay tuned for more information and a link to the registration site.
Crewed Runners and Journey Runners in the 140-mile race will compete equally for the chance to be the first to the finish line to win the one and only traveling trophy in ultrarunning: The Andy Payne Cup. Like the Stanley Cup – seriously, look at the resemblance! – the first place runner will have his or her name added to the Payne Cup and will get to keep the cup for the year, returning it to the race the next year to await the new champion. How unique and amazing is that?
Whether you’re a Crewed Runner, Journey Runner, or part of Relay Team – or you are crew person, volunteer, or member of the medical or media team – we know you’ll have an amazing experience! It is a Race for Everyone, after all. As such, Everyone – including crew, all team members, volunteers, and even spectators and community members – are welcome to join runners for the first mile of the race, starting at Angel and Vilma’s Gift Shop; everyone must stay together for that first mile, following pace vehicles to the outskirts of Seligman. Cool, right?
Registration will be limted to about 25 Crewed Runners and 5 Relay Teams each for the 140- and 100-mile races, and just 5 Journey Runners for the 140-mile race (only).
2022 Grant Maughan
2022 Nancy Levene
2024 Brian Hamilton
2024 R.A.D. Reds
The 4th Annual Route 66 UltraRun was a grand success as 140 Miles of History and A Race for Everyone. With Crewed Runners supported by two to four people and Journey Runners completing the race unsupported. Relay Teams of three or four (teams up to six people were allowed) had different strategies, but a good time was had by all.
Whether you are a fast runner wanting to do the entire race, or a team player that wants to participate on a speedy, or more-for-fun Relay Team the Route 66 UltraRun has an option for you. With 60 hours to finish the 140-mile race and 48 hours for new in 2026 100-mile CenturyRun, you don’t even have to average 2.5 miles per hour. You can come out to Historic Route 66 in Arizona and join the fun!
Huge congratulations to our new 2025 champion and 2nd and 3rd place CRs.
Congratulations to the top three JRs in 2025
The Route 66 UltraRun always starts the second Saturday of November
The race recognizes and celebrates the history of the Mother Road, from the Bunion Derbies; “Oakie’s” during the Dust Bowl; the boom years of family road trips after WWII; decline after the interstate system bypassed mom- and-pop motels, restaurants, and shops; to grassroots resurgence leading to official recognition that Route 66 had “become a symbol of the American people’s heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life.”
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.
The Route 66 UltraRun supports the association by donating a portion of every entry fee. Our inspiration is always and forever Stray Dog Mark Macy (Mace) as he continues his fight against this horrible disease with the loving support of his wife Pam and his family. You can donate now to help all of those affected with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of both the surface, and the memories along Arizona’s portion of Route 66. The Route 66 UltraRun works closely with the Historic Association to ensure the Mother Road will be enjoyed by generation after generation for years to come. You can donate now to personally help the Association continue their tireless work to preserve, protect, and promote Route 66.
In 2024 employees of the Associaiton and the City of Kingman put together a Relay Team and finished hte 140-mile UltraRun. That’s true support of the race! THANK YOU!!
The Route 66 UltraRun includes the 140-mile race starting in Seligman, AZ and the 100-mile CenturyRun starting in Peach Springs, AZ. Both races end at Topock66 Colorado River, AZ. The 140-mile race has Crewed Runner, Journey Runner, and Relay Team (3-6 people) divisions. The 100-mile race has Crewed Runner and Relay Team (3-5 people) divisions.
With a 60 hour cutoff everyone will experience and enjoy:
Unique finishers medals, belt buckles, and awards showcasing amazing custom artwork; a traveling trophy cup; special recognition for two runners; and an amazing Award’s Banquet are additional “Kicks” to the Route 66 UltraRun.
Come Out and Join us!
Questions? Comments? Let’s hear it! We’re quick to respond.
