Running from chicago to los angeles

Traveling Route 66 on its centennial for the benefit of those affected by ALS.

Route 66 x Ela in the program of events of the Route 66 Centennial Commission

The Route 66 x Ela Challenge has been officially integrated into the program of events of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, an organization created by the United States Congress.

This milestone represents an exceptional recognition of the international dimension of the centenary, positioning our solidarity initiative as a cultural and social bridge of official relevance to American institutions.

A solidarity challenge on the asphalt of ROUTE 66

On the occasion of the centenary of the legendary Route 66 in the United States, I propose a challenge that no one in Spain has yet done: to travel the legendary route walking and running (walk-run mode), from end to end, from Chicago to Los Angeles, to raise funds for research and the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
I have lost two friends to ALS and I have known the progression of the disease and the affliction of those who suffer from it, and I believe that they need the effort of those of us who have the means to fight against it.
Let’s walk and run helping those who can’t!

Enric Casacuberta

I am sixty-one years old and I am from Moià, a town in the Barcelona region and capital of Moianès, where for the last nineteen years I have offered my help to all the residents from the City Council. Now I want to help others who need it.

When and how

This journey will begin at the end of August 2026 and end in January 2027. It will be about 150 days during which I will travel the 2448 Miles (3940 km) of the route. This challenge will have technical support from a motorhome (RV) that will be my resting refuge, but never my means of transportation.

The route

1 - Chicago, IL
2 - Springfield, IL
3 - St. Louis, MO
4 - Springfield, MO
5 - Joplin, MO
6 - Tulsa, OK
7 - Oklahoma City, OK
8 - Amarillo, TX
9 - Tucumcari, NM
10 - Albuquerque, NM

11 - Gallup, NM
12 - Holbrook, AZ
13 - Winona, AZ
14 - Flagstaff, AZ
15 - Kingman, AZ
16 - Needles, CA
17 - Barstow, CA
18 - San Bernardino, CA
19 - Los Angeles, CA

Why the
Route 66?

The Ruta66xELA travels along the legendary Route 66 because this path symbolizes much more than a journey: it is a living heritage that unites communities, stories and a spirit of improvement. Like the fight against ALS, Route 66 reminds us that perseverance and solidarity can transform realities. Celebrating its centenary while promoting this challenge is a way to honor its founding values: preserving, connecting and moving forward together. Every kilometer is a tribute to its essence and another step towards a more hopeful future.

ALS: the disease that paralyzes the body, but not the fight

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the central nervous system characterized by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons (responsible for controlling the movement of voluntary muscles) in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. These neurons progressively stop functioning and die, which causes weakness and muscle atrophy. ALS is the third most common neurodegenerative disease, after dementia and Parkinson’s. Along with its variants (primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy and progressive bulbar palsy), it is the most common motor neuron disease in adults.

Help us make our way

To complete the route, we need the support of companies and sponsors to make this solidarity challenge possible. We are looking for collaborations that will help us cover essential materials (technical clothing, footwear, food, supplements, etc.), as well as logistical and communication support during the trip.

Support and collaborate with this solidarity challenge

Make your donation: BANCO DE SANTANDER: Account #: ES10 0049 33 0111 2914004639

Once the journey is over, the donations will be allocated to research for ALS.

RUTA66xELA ASSOCIATION

Officially registered in the first section of the Register of Associations of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia, Spain)

Give what your heart believes.

Sponsor 1 Mile for 20$!

To continue advancing this solidarity challenge and support the fight against ALS, we have opened a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe . Any contribution adds up: give what you believe, give what your heart dictates, give what you can do for ALS . There is no fixed amount; you can contribute from $10 to $10,000 , or any amount you feel you want to contribute. Each donation is another push to keep going and help give visibility and support to this cause. Because every gesture counts.