By Susan Redden

JOPLIN, Mo. — Organizers have high hopes for the first Mother Road Marathon, which is slated for next October.

The date -- 10-10-10 -- should be easy to remember, and planners believe the location will be an attraction because runners will travel Route 66 through three states.

The event will involve cities from Miami, Okla., to Joplin, and officials from several cities along the route gathered Wednesday to announce the inaugural run.

"It's going to be a great challenge and opportunity," said Vince Lindstrom, executive director of the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

He said the 26.2-mile route will start in Miami, and a companion half-marathon will start east of Riverton, Kan. Both will end at the Joplin Sports Complex.

"Communities along the route will be involved, so it will be a way to promote the entire region," he said.

The marathon will be produced by Reinke Sports Group. Dean Reinke, president, said he is "impressed with what's been accomplished" by local organizers.

"The buzz is out already, and the fact that it will go through three states and along Route 66 will attract a lot of runners," he said. "I really think you'll get runners from 30 to 40 states, and from around the world."