On Friday, Tulsa welcomed a unique visitor on the historic Mother Road. Eric Casacuberta, a long‑distance runner originally from Spain, entered the city as part of his ambitious plan to run the entire length of Route 66—from Chicago to Los Angeles—to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Personal motivation fuels a cross‑country mission
Casacuberta’s determination stems from personal loss. He has lost two close friends to ALS, a progressive nervous‑system disease that destroys motor neurons and ultimately leads to paralysis. In their memory, he set out on the roughly 2,448‑mile journey, aiming to finish in about 150 days, with a target completion date in January.
Local support underscores the cause
Route 66 Marathon Race Director Destiny Green expressed how the runner’s mission resonates with her own family history. “I lost my grandfather to ALS and have always supported those fighting this disease,” Green said. “When I learned someone was coming through town running the Mother Road for ALS, it struck a chord. It’s amazing to see his dedication and the years of training he’s put in for people who can’t run themselves.”
Green noted that the upcoming Route 66 Marathon benefits Ainsley’s Angels, a nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities experience races and participate in marathon events. The organization hopes Casacuberta’s high‑profile trek will draw additional donors and broaden public understanding of ALS.
How the community can help
Residents who wish to support the cause can contribute directly to Ainsley’s Angels through the marathon’s official fundraising page. The organization also encourages volunteers to assist with race‑day logistics, ensuring that participants with disabilities receive the accommodations they need.
Local businesses along the route have offered refreshments and rest‑stop services, reinforcing Tulsa’s reputation for hospitality and community spirit. The city’s Chamber of Commerce highlighted the event as an example of how Tulsa can serve as a waypoint for national charitable efforts.
Looking ahead
Casacuberta plans to continue his run through the remainder of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, stopping in towns and cities that host Route 66 enthusiasts and charitable groups. He hopes the cumulative support will translate into increased research funding and, ultimately, a cure for ALS.
For updates on his progress, donation links, and a schedule of upcoming stops, readers can visit the Route 66 Marathon website or follow Casacuberta’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
