Route 66's 100th birthday is being celebrated in a big way — from a 20-day cross-country party filled with historic landmarks to a 72-ounce steak-eating competition.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Route 66's 100th birthday is being celebrated in a big way — from a 20-day cross-country party filled with historic landmarks to a 72-ounce steak-eating competition.

Three men in Springfield were challenged to eat 4.5 pounds of steak, shrimp, a baked potato, salad and a roll — all in one hour. Each competitor admitted this was a high-steaks mission. 

"How does anyone prepare for our 72-ounce steak challenge? Hey, listen, I'm an amateur. I ate yesterday. This morning. I'm just going to have fun with this and see how many ounces I can put down," competitor Scott Dahl said.

The Route 66 Road Trip Caravan started in Santa Monica and will end in Chicago. The Big Texan Steak Ranch tagged along, hoping to find anyone with an ounce of courage to take on the massive steak dinner.

"I have no thoughts going into it. I mean, my thought is to survive," competitor Rocki said.

If a competitor manages to finish the spread in 60 minutes, they get a free meal and bragging rights. For Route 66 culture, Scott Dahl said it's worth every bite.

"Three hundred miles of Illinois Route 66 has more attractions in sight than any state. Illinois is the place to be on Route 66," Dahl said.

Dozens of people from out of state said every stop along Route 66 has been a rare, unforgettable moment.

"It's really been overwhelming. We've had so much support. You find family along the way on Route 66, and it's been really amazing," Big Texan Steak representative Hannah Weeks said.

One contestant managed to clean his plate with just minutes to spare. And on Route 66, that's a job well done. The next stop on the route is in Joliet on Wednesday, and then Chicago on Thursday. 

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