Historic Chicago Bakeries Fun Run: Pilsen/Little Village

Read & Run Chicago Programs Manager Fernanda Wetzel is more than a great addition to the Chicago running community: she's also a talented baker and originally from Ecuador. Join her for the perfect combination to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, a 6-mile fun run between Pilsen and Little Village to two Latinx-owned bakeries. On this fun run, you'll hear about Panaderia Nuevo Leon and El Nopal, as well as sample treats from both.

Please note, the samples provided will contain gluten. We are not able to accomodate any dietary restrictions.

No prior reading required, but as this route is built by stories, we've included a recommended accompanying text below.

Here's what else you need to know:

MEET: Meet between 6:15-6:30pm on Wednesday, September 18 outside of Panadaria Nuevo Leon (1634 W. 18th). There will be no storage of personal items available, so only come what you can run with!

ROUTE: We will run a ~6-mile route between Panadaria Nuevo Leon (1634 W. 18th) and El Nopal (3648 W. 26th). Samples will be provided at both bakeries.

For this special run, we will have the following pace groups:

• 11:00-12:00 min/mile
• 12:00-13:00 min/mile
• Above 13:00 min/mile

Not planning to run? Cyclists, rollers, rollerblades, scooters, and more welcome (take care of your own safety, please!).

OPTIONAL PREPARE: Since this is a fun run, it is optional to read the book inspiring our route, , ahead of time. If you’d like to read the book, we encourage you to borrow a copy from your local branch of the Chicago Public Library (here's how to get a card if you don't have one). If you prefer to purchase the book, you will find Historic Chicago Bakeries at several local indie bookstores.

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

About your guide: Maria Fernanda (she/her/hers) is from Ecuador and has lived in Chicago for 22 years. She and her husband have an 11 year old daughter who is starting middle school this year. She’s an educator, baker, and runner. She loves to read, cook, get crafty, and when there’s more free time, explore new places with her family and friends. She is always on the lookout for a fabulous bakery!

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will offer an alternative program. You will be notified via email no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday, September 18 if there are any changes to the event as listed here.

Read & Run Chicago is a chapter of Read & Run Tours, LLC, 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.

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