Race Across America Returns to Effingham Area

The 2019 Race Across America will be visiting the Effingham area this week.

RAAM is promoted as "one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world". It began in 1982 as four individuals racing from Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles to the Empire State Building in New York City. 

It's also not a stage race; the clock starts when they leave the starting line and continues until they reach the finish line. Some people ride for a cause, others just for the competition.

Effingham has had a time station for Race Across America for many years. It's back at the same location this year, along US Route 40 at Effingham High School adjacent to the Raney Street overpass.

The riders will be headed east along Route 40 from Greenville, traveling through Effingham, then along Illinois Route 33 to Newton and on to Robinson. The trail will head through Effingham east on Route 40, then north on Henrietta to Fayette Avenue, then east on Fayette to Route 33 and on east out of the city.

Riders could be coming through Effingham as early as Monday, but the majority of the riders are expected through on Wednesday and Thursday. The last riders should come through on Friday.

Citizens are invited to help staff Time Station 37 at Effingham to meet the riders and support crew. If you're interested, phone Mike Tipton at 217-821-0422.