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Read & Run Chicago™️

@readandrunchicago

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Celebrating Chicago using movement and stories since 2021
🏆 Voted ‘25 Best of Chicago
✨Community org of @readandruntours
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📣 Fall 2026 signature events announcement!

Our signature events are the original Read & Run Tours format that started right here in Chicago—and what we’re most known for: our book-themed guided runs where stories take place.

This Fall, we’re exploring the theme of Chicago Between the Lines: stories that have shaped communities and our city as a whole, beyond the mainstream narrative.

Join us in Uptown, Little Italy/Pilsen, and Lakeview as we explore the conditions that allowed a serial killer roamed free (and how the Queer community fought back), Mexican and Puerto Rican history, and the Chicago theater defined by Queer youth, Latina artists, and the birth of improv itself.

🗓️ Sunday, Sept. 27: Running/Biking Tour of Freed to Kill with Gera-Lind Kolarik and Gerber/Hart Library and Archives
📍 Haymarket House | Uptown
Perfect for: True crime fans, LGBTQ history buffs

🗓️ Sunday, October 25: Running/Biking Tour of Brown in the Windy City with Dr. Lilia Fernández
📍Little Italy and Pilsen
Perfect for: social justice and urban policy advocates

🗓️ Sunday, November 15: Running Tour of Ensemble-Made Chicago
📍Three Avenues Bookshop | Lakeview
Perfect for: theater lovers [Note: No biking tour option for November 15]

READY TO JOIN US!?
👇 Here’s how to run (or bike 9/27 and 10/25 thanks to @bffbikes):

🫂 Members: You have a complimentary ticket and guaranteed spot at every signature event—no registration required.

🎟️ Non-members: Purchase one-off tickets (tickets release in the newsletter prior to the event), or guarantee your spot with a ticket bundle. You’ll also get all three signature events at a 30% discount!

Tap the ‘Ticket Bundle’ or ‘Newsletter’ link in bio to purchase your three-pack and subscribe to get early access to one-off tickets!

See ya’ running (or biking!) around. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @readandrunchicago

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a month ago

It’s race week—which means you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions, and maybe even doubt.

Maybe you’re having thoughts like, “Did I train enough? Am I ready for this?”

In March, we kicked off @chidistanceseries with a special signature event led by @cindykuzma with American record holder and 2005 @chimarathon champion @deenakastor inspired by her memoir, Let Your Mind Run.

After the tour, we chatted with Deena about the strengthening exercises she used to overcome pain, fear, and doubt—and ultimately take home first place. 🏆

Here’s what she has to say about overcoming your doubt.

Get excited, rest up, and see you this weekend! 👇

🗓️ Friday, October 9: Carb loading night with Family Style RC

🗓️ Saturday, October 10: Shakeout run or walk in Chinatown with the Chinatown Branch of the @chicagopubliclibrary and @familystylerc and group outing to the expo—no need to be running the marathon to join!

🗓️ Sunday, October 11: Cheer zone in Pilsen (15th & Loomis) with @familystylerc

🗓️ Monday, October 12: Plogging with activist @tinamuir88 and Medal Monday celebration with @familystylerc

INFO + RSVPs in bio. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @readandrunchicago

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20 hours ago

Thank you to the readers & runners who volunteered with us Sunday morning to support @cem.event alert neighbors of upcoming road closures for @chimarathon!

We love volunteering and supporting the @chidistanceseries any way we can, and we’re so glad to play a part in helping the marathon be a safe, fulfilling, and exciting day for Chicago.

Ready to join in the next festivities!? Here’s this week’s schedule👇

🗓️ Friday, October 9: Carb loading night with Family Style RC at @seoultaco

🗓️ Saturday, October 10: Shakeout run or walk in Chinatown with the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library and Family Style RC and group outing to the expo for anyone who wants freebies—no need to be running the marathon.

🗓️ Sunday, October 11: Cheer zone in Pilsen (15th & Loomis) with @familystylerc

🗓️ Monday, October 12: Plogging with activist @tinamuir88 and Medal Monday celebration with Family Style RC

Tap the ‘Events’ link in bio for info + RSVPs! taken in Chicago, Illinois by @readandrunchicago

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2 days ago

@chimarathon is ONE WEEK AWAY!

This time next week, we’ll be cheering on the 50,000+ runners racing the Bank of America Chicago Marathon alongside @familystylerc at our cheer zone at Mile 19 (15th & Loomis in Pilsen).

We’re especially excited to root for runners on our Entries for Equity team of FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS:
@leslyyyyyyyy
@gorky081295
@fiona.ian
@aussttin_

RSVP to cheer or volunteer for our cheer zone via the ‘Events’ link in bio and share with anyone who would love to join us! taken in Chicago, Illinois by @readandrunchicago

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3 days ago

Medal Monday!

You trained. You sweat. You crushed those miles. Now it’s time to celebrate!

Join us to honor all the hard work you put in this summer: the early mornings, the aches, the injuries, and the friends you made along the way. Come sporting your freshly forged Chicago Marathon medal, plus any other race bling you’re proud of this year, and let it sparkle.

We’ll supply the food, drinks, and unlimited karaoke all night long.

Friends and family are welcome, but space is limited!

Cost: $15 per person
Where: Haibayo, 1132 W. Argyle
When: Monday, October 12, 6-9pm

Come celebrate crossing finish line with us! by @readandrunchicago

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4 days ago

CHEER ZONE GO CRAZY! by @readandrunchicago

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4 days ago

Saturday Shakeout!

We will be running along the Chicago Marathon route as it passes through Chinatown. Beginning at the Chinatown Library, running towards the entrance where Pilsen transitions into Chinatown, continue through Chinatown until the route reaches the next neighborhood near UIC, and return back to the Chinatown Branch Library!

Open to all! by @readandrunchicago

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4 days ago

Closing up shop, Seouly for us! Join us for a carb loading Family Buffet & Dance Party at @seoultaco!

Friday - Oct 9 • 7-9pm • 728 N Clark St • $25/pp by @readandrunchicago

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4 days ago

The biggest family reunion yet! by @readandrunchicago

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4 days ago

Welcome to October, readers & runners nationwide!

It’s marathon season, it’s spooky season—it’s cozy reading season.

Ready to dive into them all? Here are this month’s signature events in the Read & Run world whether you love horror novels or are gearing up for @marinecorpsmarathon!

📅 October 20
📍DC 👉 with @clarabartonmso
Read & Run on the Road: Running Tour of Reveille in Washington
🧠 What you’ll learn: Lasting impacts of the Civil War and Civil War-related history you’ve never considered!
Host: @chelseygrassfield

📅 October 25
📍Chicago 👉 @pilsencommunitybooks
Running Tour of Brown in the Windy City with Dr. Lilia Fernández
🧠 What you’ll learn: Mexican and Puerto Rican experiences and history in Little Italy and Pilsen
Host: @readandrunchicago

📅 October 29
📍Chicago 👉 @theunderstudychi
Book Club Run of Summerdale with @davidjaycollins and historian @leylairoyale
🧠 What you’ll learn: A behind-the-scenes look at David’s horror trilogy set in Andersonville, plus local history
Host: @readandruntours and @davidjaycollins

What are signature events? The original event format we created: Book-themed guided routes where stories take place. They’re hosted by Read & Run Chicago and independent organizers with the Read & Run on the Road program.

➡️ Tap the ‘Events’ link in bio for info + tickets!

Looking for free community programming in Chicago? 👉 Follow @readandrunchicago and subscribe to their newsletter. taken in USA by @readandrunchicago

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5 days ago

“The @chimarathon isn’t just a race through the streets of city. It’s a celebration of human potential, a testament of perseverance, and a reminder that extraordinary achievements begin when ordinary people decide to say, ‘I will.’” —Guide and lecturer @courtneyrunschicago

Back in June, we kicked off marathon training season with a lecture at the Little Italy branch of @chicagopubliclibrary with guide @courtneyrunschicago.

Today, it’s almost here: the blue line is on the streets and we’re 10 days away from your next extraordinary achievement. ✨

Save the date for these marathon week festivities — all are welcome, whether you’re running or cheering!

🗓️ Sunday, October 4: Marathon course flyering (Zone 1)

🗓️ Friday, October 9: Carb loading night with Family Style RC

🗓️ Saturday, October 10:
- Shakeout run or walk in Chinatown with the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library and Family Style RC
- Group expo outing

🗓️ Sunday, October 11: Cheer zone in Pilsen (15th & Loomis) with Family Style RC

🗓️ Monday, October 12:
- Plogging with activist Tina Muir (@tinamuir88)
- Medal Monday celebration with Family Style RC

More details to come—tap the link in bio to RSVP for the shakeout and cheer zone! taken in Chicago, Illinois by @readandrunchicago

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7 days ago

@chimarathon encouragement postcards have been written! 💌

If you requested one, check your mailbox next week. It’s an honor to cheer you on, and we can’t wait to watch you take on this new challenge. You’re strong and you’re capable. You can do this! ⭐️

Thanks so much to our amazing community members for joining tonight at @jenniveesbakery to write them. We’re so lucky to have you.

Next up in our marathon festivities 👉 We’re volunteering this Sunday, October 4 to flyer Zone 1 of the marathon route. Tap the ‘Events’ link in bio to volunteer with us! taken in Chicago, Illinois by @readandrunchicago

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