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Date:
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:
Sangamon County, Illinois
62684
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
capcitycentury.com Register at runsignup.com
Tags:
100 Miles 63 Miles Cycling Trail

Ride the legacy. Celebrate the journey. Right here in Springfield.

54 Years of Tradition. 100 Years of an American Icon.

In 2026, the Capital City Century proudly celebrates its 54th year — alongside the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.

Both are woven into the fabric of Springfield.

Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club, the CCC has become a cycling tradition that spans generations — families, seasoned riders, first-time cyclists, and volunteers who return year after year. Much like Route 66 itself, the CCC represents movement, connection, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the open road.

All routes begin and end at the Sherman Athletic Club, where riders roll out onto the Heritage Route 66 Multiuse Trail before heading into the scenic countryside on low-trafficked roads. It’s more than a ride — it’s a journey through the heart of Springfield’s history.

Ride Distances

  • 100-Mile Century

  • 66-Mile Route (a metric century + 3 miles in honor of Route 66)

  • 40-Mile Route

  • 20-Mile Route

Each route features a fully stocked rest stop with drinks and snacks to keep riders fueled and supported.

The Capital City Century is not a race — it’s a celebration of endurance and community. All riders receive a timing chip to track their personal accomplishment, but the real reward is crossing the finish line together.

Mechanical support will be available at the Sherman Athletic Club, and SAG drivers will be on route throughout the day to assist riders as needed — because at the CCC, no one rides alone.

After the ride, gather with fellow cyclists for a post-ride meal and one beverage of your choice (soda, beer, or wine) as we celebrate a tradition that continues to define our community.

For more than five decades, the CCC has brought riders together. For a full century, Route 66 has brought travelers through Springfield.

Looking to Volunteer?

There are many opportunities to volunteer at the Capital City Century. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and a comped entry into the 2027 Capital City Century.

More cycling events nearby

  • Sangamon Cycling Series - Four Ride Series [springfieldbicycleclub.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 09, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    What is the Sangamon Cycling Series?

    The Sangamon Cycling Series (SCS) is a four-month training program designed to help cyclists build fitness over the summer and connect with other cyclists. The...

    What is the Sangamon Cycling Series?

    The Sangamon Cycling Series (SCS) is a four-month training program designed to help cyclists build fitness over the summer and connect with other cyclists. The program is organized by the Springfield Bicycle Club. Your registration includes entry into four supported rides starting at various locations in the Sangamon County, Illinois area. Each ride features different distances ranging from 25 miles to 100 miles. It's your choice which distance to ride. The SCS is a great way to train for the Capital City Century held in Sherman, Illinois on September 19, 2026.

    https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Sherman/CapitalCityCentury

    Are Beginners Welcome?

    The Sangamon Cycling Series is for all levels of cyclists. There are typically groups at speeds ranging from 10 mph up to 20+. We do ask that you be familiar with safety rules and it helps to be comfortable riding in a group environment. Routes are not marked, so it helps to be comfortable navigating by GPS, although that's not required. We try to line up volunteers to lead groups at different speeds.

    Where are the Rides?

    The tentative schedule for the four rides is as follows:

    All rides start at 8:00 AM

    • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026

    EVENT 1 - Pawnee

    • SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026

    EVENT 2 - Chatham

    SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026

    EVENT 3 - Auburn Community Park

    • SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026

    EVENT 4 - Athens

    What Does Registration Cover?

    We'd love to offer this series at no cost, but the small registration fee helps the Springfield Bicycle Club cover insurance and support expenses. For your registration fee, you'll receive nutrition and hydration, SAG support in the event of a mechanical breakdown, and a light post-ride meal.

    10.8 km
    Springfield, Illinois, 62704, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    Cycling Run

  • Pioneer Spirit Triathlon - Sprint, Mini, & Challenge | 5k Run [runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 09, 2026 at 8:30 AM

    Description

    The Pioneer Spirit Sprint and Mini triathlon are a mid-spring tri-series that enables seasoned triathletes or beginning triathletes to test out their abilities in a short-distance, heated indoor...

    The Pioneer Spirit Sprint and Mini triathlon are a mid-spring tri-series that enables seasoned triathletes or beginning triathletes to test out their abilities in a short-distance, heated indoor pool, triathlon. If you take on the Tri-Challenge you participate in the mini-sprint as well as a sprint distance to test your stamina and talent for the triathlon. We are very proud that this event was selected as one of Triathlete’s 2025 Best Beginner Triathlons in the U.S.!

    5k: Run/Walk

    Event (All Ages): 3Mi Run/Walk

    • The 5k will begin at 9:15 am.

    • There will be a gun start.

    • All participants will complete the same route as the running portion of the Sprint Triathlon.

    • Participants will have 2 hours to complete the route.

    5k: VIRTUAL Run/Walk

    Event (All Ages): 3-Mile VIRTUAL Run/Walk

    • Virtual 5k participants will NOT participate on race day.

    • Packets must be picked up locally or pay for shipping on checkout (no international shipping).

    • Participants will have one week (Sunday through Saturday following race day) to submit their results.

    • Virtual participants do not qualify for awards.

    MINI:

    Event (All Ages): 100 Yard Pool Swim • 5Mi Bike • 1Mi Run

    • The Mini Triathlon will begin at 8:30 am.

    • The race includes a 100-yard swim, a 5-mile bike ride down a flat rural road, and finishing with a 1-mile run.

    • This event is tailored to the novice triathlete and will serve as a great introduction to triathlon for children and adults.

    • Athena/Clydesdale options are also available for the mini-triathlon.

    • There are no team registrations.

    SPRINT:

    Event (Ages 12 & up): 300-Yard Pool Swim • 13Mi Bike • 3.1Mi Run

    • The Sprint Triathlon will begin at 9:30 am.

    • The race includes a 300-yard swim, a 13-mile bike ride on a rolling and flat prairie road, and finishing with a 3.1-mile run through picturesque Petersburg. The run will take you past century-old architectural structures and through a historic cemetery.

    • Athena/Clydesdale options are also available for the sprint triathlon.

    • There are no team registrations.

    TRI-CHALLENGE:

    Event (Ages 12 & up): 100 Yard Pool Swim • 5Mi Bike • 1Mi Run & 300-Yard Pool Swim • 13Mi Bike • 3.1Mi Run, back to back.

    • The Tri-Challenge will begin with the Mini starting at 8:30 am and the Sprint starting at 9:30 am.

    • The mini race includes a 100-yard swim, a 5-mile bike ride down a flat rural road, and finishing with a 1-mile run.

    • The sprint race includes a 300-yard swim, a 13-mile bike ride on a rolling and flat prairie road, and finishing with a 3.1-mile run through picturesque Petersburg. The run will take you past century-old architectural structures and through a historic cemetery.

    • Athena/Clydesdale options are also available for the Tri-Challenge.

    • There are no team registrations.

    GENERAL INFORMATION:

    • All ages are welcome for the mini triathlon. Ages (12+) are welcome for the sprint and challenge triathlons.

    • An awards ceremony will follow after the last runner crosses the finish line of the Sprint.

    • Post-race showers will be available at the PORTA pool.

    • Fee includes: Use of timing chips (chips must be returned), BIB #, race-specific SWAG, finishing medals for all athletes, placement awards, water, and post-race food.

    19.6 km
    17651 Bluejay Rd., Menard County, Illinois, 62675, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    3.1 Miles 5k Indoor Run Sprint Swim Triathlon Virtual Walk

  • Thunder Road Gravel Tour [runsignup.com]

    Sun, May 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM

    Description

    The Springfield Bicycle Club is excited to renew our popular Sangamon Gravel Series, and rebrand as the Thunder Road Gravel tour! Last year we brought you all together for a series of rides around...

    The Springfield Bicycle Club is excited to renew our popular Sangamon Gravel Series, and rebrand as the Thunder Road Gravel tour! Last year we brought you all together for a series of rides around Springfield. This year, we're expanding the series to a wider region!

    Join us for a series of rides from May through August and explore what the central Illinois has to offer when you venture off of the beaten path. Ride specifics are TBD, but expect something in the ballpark of 30 and 60 mile options with a convenience store stop in the middle. After each ride, we'll have an optional takeover of a local brewery/bar/restaurant.

    This is a no-cost series, so there will be no SAG offered. As a gravel rider, you're probably already self-sufficient enough to fix a flat or minor mechanical on the road and if you're not, make some friends out there! But that's just the basic highlights.

    Points-Based Competition

    The most exciting part of the series will be a points-based competition. Each route will have a few gravel segments selected where riders will have the option of competing to do their best efforts. Points will be awarded based on the best times set that day on Strava, with leaderboards tracked for men and women.

    While the rides are is not a race, our encouragement of competition on the points segments means that we will use BikeSignup.com so that we can track participants and waivers. This is a no-cost registration, but it will be mandatory for points competition eligibility. Whether you want to get out for a fun spin around some gravel roads you may not have ridden yet, put down some blistering times on the competitive segments, or just get miles rides in with great friends and scenery, we hope you'll join us!!

    Dates and locations:

    • May 23 - Cuba IL, collaborating with Gravel Syndicate

    • June 13 - TBD

    • July 11 - Winchester IL, collaborating with Rural Cyclery

    • August 9 - TBD

    This event will be updated with routes and details as we approach each event, and you can keep current with discussion and details on our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/782650436593916

    Route collection - https://ridewithgps.com/collections/3961753

    Routes will be posted as we approach each ride.

    11.7 km
    C/O Springfield, Springfield, Illinois, 62791-3035, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    Cycling Gravel

  • 2026 10th Annual Gold Star 500 [goldstarmission.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 30, 2026 at 12:01 AM

    Description

    Ride for a reason on a once in a lifetime journey experiencing the challenge of cycling over great distances and at the same time, encounter amazing Gold Star Family members and others in the...

    Ride for a reason on a once in a lifetime journey experiencing the challenge of cycling over great distances and at the same time, encounter amazing Gold Star Family members and others in the community as they share stories of the lives of our Illinois Fallen Military Service Members.

    On September 22, 2026 cyclists will begin a 500-mile bicycle journey, known as the Gold Star 500, through communities starting in Chester, Granite City, St Louis, Edwardsville, Staunton, Litchfield, Carlinville, Virden, Chatham, Springfield, Williamsville, Atlanta, Bloomington, Lexington, Pontiac, Dwight, Joliet, Plainfield, Aurora, St Charles, Sycamore, Hampshire, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and end the ride in Schaumburg.. This is our 10th Annual Gold Star 500 which works to preserve the legacy and honor of those military service men and service women from Illinois who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of service to this great nation. In addition to the 5 day, 500-mile ride, we are keeping the options for 1-day and 3-day rides. All proceeds go to fund scholarships and our Fallen Hero History Project Videos honoring the lives of our Fallen Military Service Members, thus preserving their legacy forever.

    This ride raises funds through event registration, fund raising, corporate & business sponsors and grants, and generous individual donations. As an all volunteer organization, over 95% of all funds are used to carry on the names and the stories of the Fallen Military Service Members. Wanting a small taste of what it is like to be on the ride, watch this video.

    https://youtu.be/XfqgzE_uJEA

    Come and join our mission.

    www.goldstarmission.org

    17.4 km
    3309 Robbins Road, Springfield, Illinois, 62704-6587, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    90 Miles 99 Miles 104 Miles 108 Miles 109 Miles 200 Miles 300 Miles 500 Miles Cycling

  • Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K [lincolnmemorialgarden.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 30, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    The latest edition of the Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race and associated Kids Fun Run in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 30, 2026. Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of...

    The latest edition of the Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race and associated Kids Fun Run in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 30, 2026. Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails – with the course entirely situated within the Garden - will test runners’ stamina over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic Garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield, and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds.

    We greatly appreciate the following very positive comments from previous races:

    “The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful,

    and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”

    “Thanks for the great race. I really enjoyed it!”

    “This was one of the best marked trails I have ever been on. There wasn’t

    a chance anyone could get lost on that course.”

    “You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it.”

    And, not to be left out, the kids can enjoy a Fun Run around the pond at the Cawley Meadow.

    On-line registration will open on February 1, 2026 See the different registration prices below. Register early and receive a $5 discount off the regular price for the 8K.

    Race Particulars

    Race Date: Saturday May 30, 2026 (No rain date is scheduled and there are no refunds available for this race).

    8K Start Time: 7:30 a.m. Kids Fun Run Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

    Registration site: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/LincolnMemorialGarden

    Registration will open on February 1, 2026.

    8K Trail Race - Early Registration is $32; $37 after April 15, 2026 plus a variable signup fee.

    You will need to register on your own phone/computer; there will be no manual registration or on-site computers for registration at packet pickup or on race day.

    Registration is open to a maximum of 300 participants. Each participant receives a shirt and a wooden medallion at race finish. Food and drinks are provided after the race to participants. For both the 8K and Fun Runs, receipt of a shirt is guaranteed if registration is received before TBD. Registration remains open until 15 minutes before race time or until the 300-person participation limit is reached, whichever is sooner.

    Kids Fun Run - No limit on number of participants. Registration is $10 plus a variable signup fee. Each participant receives a t-shirt and a finishing medal. Age groups: 4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over. The Youngest age group will run a straightaway next to the pond (34 yards); the Middle group runs one lap around the pond (225 yards); and the Older kids will run 2 laps around the pond (415 yards). Registration ends 15 minutes before race time. You will need to register on your own phone/computer; there will be no manual registration or on-site computers for registration at packet pickup or on race day.

    Packet pickup: Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield. Race-day pickup at LMG starts at 6:30 a.m.

    The 8K is a no-spike race – the start/finish area is sidewalk and porous pavement. There are also many wood-plank bridges throughout the course that spikes would damage. The bulk of the course is wood-chipped trails, fine-chip gravel trails, and grass trails. There is also a short length of gravel driveway.

    Elevation Data and Course Map: https://runsignup.com/Race/LincolnMemorialGarden/Page/CourseMap

    Awards for the 8K will be given to the winning man, woman, and non-binary finishers and to the first finishing man and woman Masters runners (40 and over). These race winners and Masters winners will also receive a $50 gift card to the Springfield Running Center (Thank you, Tracy!). Awards will also be presented to the second finishing non-binary runner and to the top three men and top three women finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over. Registrants selecting "Prefer not to say" under gender selection are not eligible for awards.

    Special Project: Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project? Thanks to these extra donations from runners, LMG has purchased a spotting scope and tripod for wildlife viewing, an audio system for the bird feeder area to enhance visitor experience, and shade material for an enlarged covered stage area, which will be used to help keep our summer camp kids from getting too much sun during their activities. Thank you, runners!!

    LMG website: https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/

    Thank you for your participation and support of Lincoln Memorial Garden!

    16.5 km
    2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, Illinois, 62712, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    4.97 Miles 8k Fun Run Gravel Run Trail Walk

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