FAQs

General

  • Read & Run Chicago is the first city chapter of Read & Run Tours, the first and only running events organization with routes built by stories!

    We host book-themed guided runs where the story takes place, followed by book discussions, author talks, or lectures. This means that our programming is entirely inspired by books set in or about Chicago, primarily written by local authors.

    Since 2021, we’ve hosted over 100 events in nearly 40 different neighborhoods and suburbs around the Chicagoland area.

    We connect runners and authors to run with purpose, explore thoughtfully, and bring books to life. All bodies, paces, and walks of life all welcome. Read & Run Chicago has been featured in various media outlets including CBS, NBC, Fox32, Runner's World, WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago, Time Out Chicago, and more.

  • Please send information and a press copy of the book to Allison Yates at allison@readandruntours.com.

  • There are so many ways to get involved in Read & Run Chicago!

    To participate in events, you can either purchase an all-access seasonal membership or purchase tickets to individual events.

    Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about the Chicago literary and running community, plus discounts, deals, and giveaways.

    You can also join community field trips and outings that do not involve running, but relate to Chicago, history, culture, and literature. Sign up for our newsletter for details.

    If you don’t already, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Events

  • We currently offer the following types of runs:

    • Running Tours inspired by books.

    • Book Club Runs, which are exactly what they sound like -- a book club but with running.

    • Trail Runs, which are in collaboration with Arc’Teryx Chicago, Patagonia Chicago, Forest Preserves of Cook County, and others.

    And other events, including literary-focused community runs, book swaps, and a collaboration with Out of Eden-Walk Chicago called HomeStories Runs. Learn more about our event types.

    Private Tours are also available upon request.

  • We run events by season:

    • Winter (January-March)

    • Summer (May-July)

    • Fall (September-November)

    Within each season, there are typically two-to-three events each month.

    The best way to stay in the loop is to subscribe to our newsletter! You can also stay in the loop by following Read & Run on Eventbrite.

  • Tickets for individual events are $35.

    You can also purchase all-access seasonal memberships at the start of each season (Winter, Summer, Fall).

  • All events require previous registration.

    You can purchase tickets for individual events on our events page.

    All-access seasonal memberships are available here.

  • Every registered runner will receive an email 48 hours and 4 hours prior to the run with meet-up details, the route, and any specific tips for preparing for the run.

  • Anything you need to know about preparing for an event will be listed in the event registration, as well as sent via email to all registered attendees two days and a few hours prior to the event. This information will include logistical considerations (parking, transportation, weather-related tips, etc.), as well as any prior reading you should complete or if we invite you to bring special personal items (e.g. During the Book Club Run of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter we invited readers and runners to bring their quinceañera photos).

  • Besides utilizing your local library for books (getting a Chicago Public Library card is so easy!), we strongly recommend purchasing the books from an independently-owned bookstore in your area. Check out our list of recommended Chicago bookstores.

    If you'd like to purchase online, please use our Bookshop.org affiliate shop.

  • You do you, no matter what!

    That being said, we strongly recommend you read the book inspiring any Book Club Run prior to attending for the best experience. Content will be focused on the plot and story and there may be spoilers.

    For all other types of events, reading is optional!

  • We run wherever the story takes place! The books inspiring our runs take us around the Chicagoland area. Every event is different.

  • Definitely! We'd love that.

    Dogs are definitely invited on the running route portion, but please check in directly with the venue hosting our post-run discussion to see if they allow pets.

  • The standard $35 ticket fee offsets event and operational expenses like venues, speaker fees, staff compensation, marketing and advertising, insurance, and much more.

    We are a community of wonderful Chicagoans, but Read & Run Chicago is not a “run club.” We are a small business that host events that take months (sometimes years!) of planning and organizing.

    Read & Run Chicago does not receive any outside funding.

Running

  • All Read & Run Chicago events include a guided running route. On these routes, runs are at a pace of about 11 minutes per mile, with relevant, book-related stops along the way so the guide can discuss the story or give information.

    Why 11 minutes per mile? There is no pace shaming in Read & Run Chicago (this is extremely important to us!), but for planning purposes we set this pace. If your typical pace is above 11 minutes per mile, no worries. We’d still love to have you join by bike or another mode of transportation. You are also welcome to join the post-run discussion, author Q&A, or lecture.

    Learn more about our pace.

  • Bring your own water, snacks and anything else you need to have a successful run (e.g. hat, gloves, jacket, etc.). You aren’t required to bring your book, but it’s nice to have on hand for the post-run discussion.

  • Each run has a different length depending on the book. Runs based on full length books are typically 3-5 miles.

  • We set the pace at an 11 minute per mile pace, but often run slower than this due to pedestrian traffic and stoplights. To get the most out of the experience, it’s recommended you be able to comfortably run the entire distance at that pace.

    You are welcome to bike any of the runs. Please keep in mind that the routes are designed for running, and we won’t be able to ensure your safety.

  • We maintain this standard pace in order to keep the group as close together as possible to ensure the best possible experience for readers and runners. We believe that at each Read & Run Chicago event, we create a one-of-a-kind space for Chicagoans to move, learn, and explore using stories – and it’s important that we bring books to life as one group. When Allison Yates started Read & Run Chicago, she landed on the 11 minute per mile pace as the best middle ground to serve our community of varying paces. Keep in mind, each Read & Run Chicago event running route includes stops to talk about the book. These are great opportunities to refuel and catch your breath.

    We always have a volunteer set the 11 minute per mile pace at the front of the pack. There’s a mid-pack runner there to make sure everyone is doing okay in the middle, and we always have a volunteer at the very back of the group. If for any reason someone isn’t doing well or needs to walk, the volunteer in the back will walk for a minute with the reader and runner and make sure they’re okay.

    Read & Run Chicago is a space for all runners, regardless of pace, how many races you’ve completed (or if you’ve never run a race), what you look like, or if you have ever run with other people. All forms and styles of running are valid, and if the format of our events is different from your typical style of running, we still want you to feel welcome to join us using another mode of transportation (bike, scooter, roller blades, wheelchair, etc.)

  • We’re so thrilled this organization speaks to you! The most important thing to know about joining is that beyond loving running, we’re a group of curious Chicagoans who love learning, stories, and movement.

    Non-runners who prefer to bike, roll, rollerblade, scooter, or any other form of movement along the route at our 11 minute per mile pace are most welcome but must manage their own safety.

  • No stress! You have about a 10 minute grace period. We begin our programs promptly at the time listed on the registration pages, but we always do welcome and introductions and head out for the route~10 minutes into the program.

    If you are more than 10 minutes late arriving to check in, you may be able to join the group at one of the stops. Check in with the volunteer at our venue (if applicable for that event) to see.

    If you are extremely late, please still plan to join us for the post-run discussion/social time/author Q&A.

  • Check the weather before you leave and dress according to your own personal comfort. Everyone has different preferences, so try out different options until you know what works for you.

    Unfamiliar with what to wear while running? Try this website.

    Nervous about the cold? Here’s a good guide.

    Regardless of weather, since we stop along the way, we suggest layers and a change of clothes for the post-run portion of our events for ultimate comfort.

Have More Questions?

Head to this explainer on our Instagram or email Chicago@readandruntours.com with questions.