Read & Run Chicago hosts guided book-inspired runs in Chicago for all paces.

Read & Run Chicago is a local community group dedicated to fostering an inclusive running environment through year-round guided events. Led by Fernanda Wetzel, Allison Yates, Randy Shaw, and Courtney Schaaf, the group organizes approachable three- to five-mile runs at an 11:00-minute per mile pace, featuring several stops along the route. These runs are uniquely inspired by books set in Chicago, attracting both new and veteran runners who seek motivation, new routes, and social connection. The group aims to address common questions from readers and runners regarding training strategies, companionship, and maintaining a casual running lifestyle outside of organized events. Beyond their specific events, Read & Run Chicago provides a guide to navigating Chicago's booming running scene, which has evolved since the post-pandemic surge to prioritize inclusion, equity, and body-positive health. The city boasts a vast network of local run clubs ranging from neighborhood-specific groups like Blue Line Run Club in Bucktown to affinity-based organizations such as Logan Square's Out There Run Club. Whether you are a first-time runner seeking a slow-paced group like Chicago Slow Run Club or a seasoned athlete looking for training partners, the Chicago running community offers diverse options for every interest and ability level, often advertised through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.