Starting in 1987
The annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run traces its roots to early 1987 when a small group of people led by Angel Delgadillo embarked on an ambitious journey to champion the rebirth of Route 66 and formed the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
Angel Delgadillo & Jerry Richard (1988)The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Celebrating a historic designation
After the Association succeeded in getting the State of Arizona to bring back Route 66 as a historic highway, the group wanted to throw a party!
Classic cars in Oatman during the Route 66 Fun RunThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
A three-day car cruise
The growing members of the Association didn’t just plan a dedication celebration, they planned a three-day event. On April 22, 23, and 24th of 1988, the Association invited the public to travel the stretch of newly preserved Historic Route 66 between Seligman and Topock, Arizona.
Inaugural Fun Run Guests outside Angel's barbershop (1988)The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Participants lined up to register for the event
The dedication event attracted 152 entrants.
The governor of Arizona, Rose Mofford, cut the ceremonial ribbon, and Will Rogers Jr. participated as the grand marshal.
Will Rogers Jr., Bonnie Bravo Royal, Rose Mofford, and Jerry Richard (1988-04-23)The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Dignitaries at the inaugural event
From L to R: Will Rogers Jr., Bonnie Bravo Royal (Miss Hualapai 1985-1986), Rose Mofford (Governor of Arizona 1988-1991), and Jerry Richard at the inaugural Fun Run.
Will Rogers Jr. (1988)The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
The grand marshal
Inaugural Fun Run grand marshal Will Rogers Jr. in Truxton, Arizona.
The fun continues
The Historic Route 66 Fun Run Car Rally and Show was enjoyed so much by everyone that they wanted to do it again. The Fun Run became an annual event!
More participants each year
Over the years, the continued and growing success of the annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run has become an important fundraiser that has allowed the Association to aggressively pursue its mission for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Mother Road.
The spirit of Route 66
In many ways, it embodies all that we love of Route 66: family, community, cars, and Americana.
Show N Shine Car Show (2025-05-03) by Mother Road MediaThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Community and camaraderie
The Association will always stay true to those things that made the first Fun Run work - creating a relaxing, fun-packed weekend of camaraderie, cars, and the celebration of an American icon: Historic Route 66.
Join the fun
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.