Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook Mini-Run: Beverly

In the 1960s and 1970s, many South Side Chicago neighborhoods went through dramatic demographic changes in a period known as "White Flight." One far South Side neighborhood, Beverly, is one of the few where history played out differently. In Scott Smith's essay "Beverly: How to Integrate a Chicago Neighborhood in Three (Not So Easy) Steps" from tells the story of three residents who changed the course of Beverly's history: Frank Williams, Pat Stanton, and Audrey Peeples.

On this tour, author Scott Smith will lead readers & runners on an easy-paced (11:00 min/mile), 2-mile guided runing route around Beverly to bring his essay to life. We'll end with a panel with Frank Williams and Audrey Peeples, plus snacks, drinks, and a raffle.

Here's what else you need to know:

MEET: Check-in for the event between 5:40-6:00 PM at the Beverly Branch of the Chicago Public Library (1962 W. 95th Street). The event begins promptly at 6:00pm and we'll take off for the run at approximately 6:10pm. Any runners arriving after 6:10pm can hang at the library until the panel.

ROUTE: We will run an easy-paced (11:00 min/mile), ~2-mile route inspired by Scott Smith's essay. Not planning to run? Cyclists, rollers, rollerblades, scooters, and more welcome (take care of your own safety, please!)

END: After the 2-mile guided run, we'll end with a discussion at the library with author Scott Smith, as well as community leaders featured in the essay. If you'd like to join this portion of the event only, plan to arrive at the the library (1962 W. 95th Street) around 6:30pm.

OPTIONAL PREPARE: This event is a "fun run" and no prior reading is required. If you'd like to purchase a copy of the book featuring the essay inspiring this memoir before attending, here is the link.

All registered readers & runners will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.

About your guest : Scott Smith (he/him) is the Chief of Staff for the Cook County Assessor’s Office. He also runs a live reading series about the South Side called The Frunchroom, co-produced with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance. He lives on the South Side in Morgan Park with his wife, Erin, and daughter, Abigail. Learn more about Scott on his website.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will hold an alternative version of the event indoors beginning at 6pm. You will be notified via email no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday, November 13 if there are any changes to the event as listed here.

Read & Run Chicago is a chapter of Read & Run Tours, the country’s first and only organization that hosts running events inspired by books. Founded in 2021 by queer educator, freelance writer, and runner Allison Yates, the mission of Read & Run Tours, LLC and the city chapters is to use movement and stories to explore locations. Our community-focused run programming includes running tours, book club runs, author talks, and other literary-themed fun runs all inspired by books set in the cities where chapters are located, written by local authors. While connecting runners to the city’s stories, we also actively support literacy programs, public libraries, independent bookstores, and local authors.

In Chicago, we have hosted more than 60 events (in English and Spanish) for over 300 Chicagoans, featuring over 30 authors or local experts, and we have been featured in various media outlets including CNN, Runner’s World, Midwest Living, NBC’s Chicago Today, Fox32 Good Day Chicago, WGN Radio, Block Chicago, and more.

More information at readandrunchicago.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Stay in touch: Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us

Host or Publisher Read & Run Chicago