Made in Chicago Fun Run/Walk with David Hammond and Monica Eng

Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the U.S., and although Chicago’s South Side has a rich history of food, drink, and local businesses, most North Side residents have never even heard of them.

Join Read & Run Chicago, New Balance, and our local run club partner Onthe9 for a six-mile guided fun run OR a three-mile walk through Chicago’s Avalon Park, Chatham, and Greater Grand Crossing neighborhoods with authors Monica Eng and David Hammond inspired by their book, .

Along the route, we’ll stop at two (walk option) or four (run option) local eateries and learn about their history and their iconic South Side creations like Jim Shoe, steak and lemonade, and more.

After the route, stick around for food samples, book sales, and book signing with Monica Eng and David Hammond at the Avalon Branch of the Chicago Public Library.

No pre-reading required to attend fun runs. If you'd like to purchase the book inspiring this event, purchase online through to our Bookshop.org affiliate page.

This event is helped made possible by and support from New Balance.

DOORS OPEN: Doors open at 9:30 AM. Check in, make a name tag, purchase merch, and mingle with other readers & runners.

ROUTE: Opt for a six-mile running route (11:00-12:00 min/mile pace) or a three mile walking route (20:00 min/mile pace).

ALTERNATE MOVEMENT: Biking, scooter, skateboard, rollerblades, or racing wheelchairs also welcome. We will be on paved sidewalks the entire route.

BOOK SALES, SNACKS, AND Q&A: Stick around after the route to purchase your copy of and get it signed by Monica Eng and David Hammond, along with a sampling of some of the foods you heard about on the route!

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will hold a modified version of the event at the venue starting at 10am. You will be notified via email no later than 9am on Saturday, November 8 if there are any changes to the event.

All ticket holders will receive reminder emails and details at least 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.

Read & Run Chicago is the flagship chapter of Read & Run Tours, LLC—the nation’s first and only organization hosting running events inspired by books. Founded in 2021 by queer educator, writer, and runner Allison Yates, our mission is simple: to use movement and stories to explore place. Our community-centered programming includes running tours, book club runs, author talks, and other literary-themed fun runs—all inspired by books set in our cities and written by local authors. Along the way, we champion literacy initiatives, public libraries, independent bookstores, and the writers who bring our communities to life. In Chicago, we’ve hosted nearly 120 events featuring 30+ authors and local experts. Our work has 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.

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