Whether your new year’s resolution was to explore more neighborhoods, get outside, or be more active, this reading-running group could help you accomplish all the above — with others or by yourself.
Read & Run Chicago invites you to jog along routes inspired by Chicago books. The run is capped off with a book discussion at a local business.
Mini neighborhood runs are inspired by “The Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook,” an anthology of poems, essays, and short stories.
You can take yourself on self-guided tours, too. The routes for 10 neighborhoods from West Ridge to Pullman have been published, including post-run spots for bites and drinks.
And if you’re not big on cardio — same — these runs are no longer than two miles.
Read & Run also hosts longer book club runs based on Chicago novels, memoirs, and nonfiction books like this weekend’s “Chicago Scavenger Hunt”–inspired running tour and next month’s “Three Girls From Bronzeville” run.
The city’s running group scene is big. Check out other neighborhood groups like GumboFit, Peace Runners, and so many more.
Get to Know Chi on the Run

Sidney Madden

Hebru Brantley's 'Nike Running' mural in Wicker Park in 2019. (Raymond Boyd / Getty)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Neighborhood Guides
Your Guide to May 2026
May kicked off with a May Day jolt, and I expect the energy will stay high.
Where to Read in Chicago
It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...
Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries
It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most...
Is Avondale Really That Cool?
We investigated Avondale ourselves, and think that Time Out might be onto something.
Get to Know Bronzeville
Check out this guide on what to see, eat, and do in this historic Chicago neighborhood.

Walk Around the Bottom of Western With Me!
My stroll to the bottom of Western Avenue took me through West Morgan Park, Kennedy Park, and Beverly Woods.
Wander Through Ford City Mall With Me
Once a haven for young mall rats, Ford City Mall may soon become an industrial park. But it's not gone yet.
Scooter Another Mile Along Western With Me
Today, we’re zooming into the Tri-Taylor Historic District, starting on Madison Street and scooting to Roosevelt Road.
The latest in Chicago
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Chicago’s Indoor/Outdoor Bars
Here are some of our favorite bars that offer outdoor patios to grab a drink.
Jim’s and the History of the Maxwell Street Polish
After nearly 90 years in the Maxwell Street Area, Jim’s Original is moving to Pilsen. The stand popularized the Maxwell Street Polish.
New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.
Chicago Bridges Quiz
Think you know Chicago bridges? Test your knowledge!
Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin
Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.
Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town
The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic?
The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center
Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.
