The day begins in St. Louis at the Gateway Arch. 

The stage concludes in Chester at First Responder's Memorial Park.

After many days spent in the company of the Missouri River, we turn south along the Mississippi today. After crossing over via the historic Eads Bridge, the ADT navigates through some complicated transportation interchanges through East St. Louis, we'll gladly pause for a much-appreciated greeting in Sauget.

Event - Village of Sauget -  Diner 401 - Details TBA

Refreshed, the relay continues southward through Cahokia Heights, after which it forks right off of Illinois Route 3, escaping busy roads for the remainder of the stage. We'll move closer to the river, passing through small East Carondelet, and then after navigating under I255, we'll pause for another break on Ramsey Rd.

Refreshment Stop - Columbia Illinois Historical Society and the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition

We're grateful to these two organizations for spending some time with us and helping us to learn a little about the deep history behind this part of the route, which includes stretches on the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail.

As the southward progression continues, a second long leg within close proximity to the Mississippi leads into an even longer segment further inland, before reaching Prairie du Rocher. Very briefly, the ADT rejoins Illinois Route 3 in Ellis Grove, and then it returns one last time to the Mississippi, passing through the historic site of Fort Kaskaskia and alongside the Menard Correctional Center. A final uphill, inland push brings us into Chester, where a fun welcome is waiting in store.

Event - City of Chester - Details TBA

We're excited to have Chester's most famous citizen, Popeye, join us to carry the baton into Memorial Park, where the Chester High School Band will play and city leaders will greet the relayers.

Support: A support vehicle will be accessible at Sauget (4.3 miles), Ramsey Rd (15.6 miles), 156 & B Rd (32 miles), and Prairie du Rocher (58.6 miles). Water will be available to top off bottles, along with all necessary participant gear. 

Take Heed: The early morning ride through East St Louis and onward to Sauget involves time on some busy roads, so take care in that rush hour traffic.