The Joliet Prison Spirits Run

Come join the New Lenox School District 122 PTO, Wellness Committee and New Lenox Safe Community Coalition in supporting Mental Health and Wellness by participating in a 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health and Wellness event. Start your day by walking or running the 5K and stay for the Wellness Fair. The Wellness Fair will include businesses from the surrounding areas that can aide in mental, physical and nutritional wellness as well as self-care. Enjoy the family oriented activities and purchase some fabulous food from the food Trucks while you are there.

This is a non-profit event. All proceeds and donations will be evenly presented to 2 nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations; New Lenox School District 122 Wellness Committee and New Lenox School District 122 PTO. The proceeds will assist in promoting social emotional learning amongst the students, staff and community.

Donations are a great way to support the cause even if you can’t take part in the event.

Support mental health and wellness for the surrounding communities and New Lenox Schools by making a donation today.

The mission of the New Lenox School District 122 Wellness Committee is to promote the lifelong health and wellness of the staff, students, and community through education and efforts that encourage habits of wellness.

The NLSD 122 PTO (New Lenox School District 122 Parent/Teacher Organization) raises funds to help better the students/ education and wellness through library, music, art and physical education program enhancements, replenishing indoor and outdoor recess equipment, academic support grants and assemblies as well as teacher reimbursements and student scholarships.

Packet Pick-up Friday, April 24, 2026, 4-6pm, Village Hall

Race Morning Packet pickup begins at 8:15am

Race begins 9am (runners first, then walkers)

Wellness fair 9:00am - 12pm

Experience Route 66 like never before with an expanded adventure that blends athletic challenge, rich history, and roadside Americana. The Historic Highway Hustle – Rt. 66, a one-of-a-kind series of 6.6K races set along some of Illinois’ most iconic Route 66 landmarks, invites runners to step into the past as they take on a trio of immersive events, each celebrating a legendary stop along the Mother Road. Feel the adrenaline as you weave through the imposing grounds of the Old Joliet Prison, where towering limestone walls echo with stories of another era. Let your stride fall in rhythm with the quirky, retro charm of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington—one of the highway’s most photographed icons. Then soak in the vintage ambiance of Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station in Dwight, an immaculately preserved slice of Americana that transports you to the golden age of American road travel.

Every race offers participants collectible swag, lively local entertainment, and the chance to explore three communities that proudly keep the spirit of Route 66 alive. Join fellow runners, history lovers, and adventure seekers as you journey through time, town by town. The Historic Highway Hustle isn’t just a series of races—it’s a celebration of culture, endurance, and the open road. Lace up and make your mark on history!

Lace up and run where history still echoes. The 6.6K Run at Old Joliet Prison takes you through one of Illinois’ most iconic landmarks, blending gritty prison history with the spirit of Route 66. This uniquely distanced race celebrates the legendary “double six” with an unforgettable course, bold atmosphere, and a setting unlike any other. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just soaking in the scenery, this run is all about grit, nostalgia, and crossing the finish line with a story to tell.

Be sure to follow our event on Facebook for the latest information and announcements including after party details.

Register today for the annual BeActive NAMI Will-Grundy 5k! This fun, certified, and chip-timed 5k loop will start/finish at the Joliet Regional Airport located at 4000 West Jefferson Street in Joliet, IL. Proceeds benefit NAMI Will-Grundy to provide education, support, advocacy, and public awareness, so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Start times for runners begin at 8am, and for walkers/families begin at 8:15am. A 100m Kids' Fun Dash will follow post race at 9am (children 9 years old and under). Awards will be provided to the top M/F finishers from each age group. Dri-FIT shirts are included in the registration fee until April 18th.

January 1st - April 18th $35 and guarantee your shirt size

Apr 19th - May 9th: $40 and no guarantee on shirt size

May 10th - race day: $50 and no guarantee on shirt size

Race packets can be picked up at 7:00 am on the day of the race. We look forward to seeing you then!

Awards: Top 3 M/F Overall. Age Groups 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+