History of the Marathon in Chicago: A Lecture

It's marathon training szn! Across the Windy City, run clubs are kicking off training for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon—and you're invited to celebrate with us.

Join us and the Chicago Public Library on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00 PM at the Little Italy Branch (1336 W Taylor) for an easy-paced run or walk along Taylor Street (Mile 18 of the marathon!), followed by a special lecture about the history of the marathon in Chicago with Read & Run Chicago guide Courtney Ruhland.

You'll also have the chance to peruse a curated selection of books about running, training, and the marathon thanks to the Little Italy Branch.

Here's the schedule:

• 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Optional walk/run along Taylor Street
• 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Lecture

Snacks and drinks provided. All are welcome, whether you're training for your 50th marathon or you simply love Chicago history.

is a community organization managed under Read & Run Tours. Founded in 2021, the mission is simple: to use movement and stories to explore Chicago. Programming includes free community meetups like book swaps and reading nights, plus what the organization is most known for: book-themed guided runs where stories take place, all inspired by books set in Chicago, mostly written by local authors. Read & Run Chicago’s ultimate goal is to help Chicagoans better connect with themselves, each other, and the physical spaces they call home. Along the way, Read & Run Chicago champions literacy initiatives, local nonprofits, public libraries, independent bookstores, and the writers who bring Chicago’s communities to life. They’ve hosted over 120 events featuring 30+ authors and local experts and have been highlighted by CNN, Runner’s World, Midwest Living, NBC’s Chicago Today, FOX32 Good Day Chicago, WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago, and more. More information at readandrunchicago.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Courtney Ruhland: Courtney (she/her) is a Chicago transplant from Omaha, Nebraska. After living in New York for several years, she will always pick Chicago over New York City as her favorite city. When not seen running around her neighborhood of Rogers Park, she works in Human Resources and loves reading and cuddling on the couch with her three cats.

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