Read & Run...& Rats

Read & Run Chicago hosts book-themed guided runs across the city—and this April Fool’s Day, we’re not kidding around.

Come take a closer look at Chicago’s unofficial mascot: rats.

Lace up with Read & Run Chicago guide Courtney Ruhland for a running tour (pace: 11:00-12:00 minute per mile) through River North’s rattiest corners. Along the way, we’ll explore how these resilient city dwellers have adapted to urban life—often more successfully than we have.

After the route, stick around for Courtney’s lecture, “Scampering toward Stardom: The Rise of Chicago’s Unofficial Mascot,” where you’ll learn about the ecology, history, and uncanny ability of the city’s most underrated residents.

Come for the run, the lecture, or both—all are welcome.

• Doors open at 5:45 PM
• The running tour starts at 6:00 PM
• The lecture will begin by 7:00-7:15 PM

Countless books have investigated, memorialized, and honored the rat experience–we’ll have a selection for you to peruse after the lecture.

This event is free with a suggested donation. We recommend the price of our standard tours, $35 for the guided run + lecture or $15 for the lecture only.

It’s also BYO-snacks and drinks—and we recommend bringing the RATTIEST snacks you can think of. Get creative!

READING:

No prior reading required, but if you want to keep enjoying rats, we'll have a curated selection of rat-themed book suggestions!

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN:

If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will hold a modified version of the event indoors starting at the same time, 6:00 PM. You will be notified via email no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1 if there are any changes to the event.

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

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 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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