Chicago Readers & Runners Race the Chicago Distance Series in the Entries for Equity Program
Read & Run Chicago community members. Credit Kyle Nowacyzk.
By Allison Yates
While at Read & Run Chicago our events primarily use casual running (and reading) as a tool to explore Chicago and to better understand ourselves, each other, and our built environment, many of our community members are part of the broader Chicago running community and participate in organized races.
The most important racing series in the Windy City is the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, three races of varying—and building—distances throughout the year, starting with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K in March, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 in June, and the culminating event, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.
This year, Read & Run Chicago was one of the chosen Chicago running communities to take part in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Entries for Equity program. As part of this program, organizations that support the the running, sport and movement community and have values around diversity, equity and inclusion were allotted complimentary entries to each of the three Chicago races in this series. Read & Run Chicago is honored and thrilled to be recognized as an organization creating a positive community impact and be able to support readers & runners as they tackle these races in 2025.
In order to support the readers & runner racing this series, we’ll use this blog post for updates on our racing readers & runners and how our broader community can support them.
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K | Sunday, March 23, 2025
Cynthia and Tahnee at the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K. The race sees an average of 30,000 runners. Credit: Family Style Run Club.
Read & Run Chicago has five readers & runners representing our organization a this year’s Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Here’s how you can stay involved with Read & Run Chicago throughout the weekend.
Plogging: Read & Run Chicago has been invited to volunteer at the "Plogging" event on Saturday, March 22, led by Tina Muir, the host of the Running for Real podcast. It's a great opportunity to combine fitness, community, and environmental action. Programs manager Fernanda Wetzel will be there and would love to see some familiar Read & Run Chicago faces. If you're interested in participating, please register using this link.
Gear: Wear your Read & Run Chicago gear while you cheer or race. As long as you’re not mean to people or do something terrifically stupid while you wear it, we’re delighted for you to represent! Need to purchase? Buy it online here.
Cheer Station: If you wish to cheer or have friends and family looking for a place to cheer, join us at Edge Athlete Lounges’s cheer station at the corner of Jackson and Franklin. RSVP to cheer here.
WhatsApp Chat: If you are racing and want to meet up with other readers & runners before or after, email Allison at Allison@readandruntours.com added to our WhatsApp chat.