Nervous to Join Read & Run Chicago? Read this.
Whether you’re an introvert, a new (and nervous) runner, or simply not sure if Read & Run Chicago is the right fit for you, here are important things to keep in mind about our events.
By Allison Yates
It can be wholly intimidating to try something new—especially something like running with a group. Even if you’ve run with a group before, each group has their own vibe and culture—and not all are as welcoming as they should be. I grew up hating anything fitness related, so even while I began to run in my early 20s, it took me until 28 years old to feel comfortable running with others.
Sound familiar?
[Related: Guide to Chicago’s Running Community 2025]
While you may love the concept of Read & Run Chicago—what book lover wouldn’t love to bring their favorite stories to life on a book-themed guided running tour?!—you still have questions.
[Related: How to Prepare For Your First Read & Run Chicago Event]
Whether you’re an introvert, a new (and nervous) runner, or simply not sure if Read & Run Chicago is the right fit for you, here are important things to keep in mind about our events.
Pace
Our volunteer run leads set an 11:00 minute per mile pace at our signature events—those are the book-themed guided runs where stories take place—but with stoplights and pedestrians—and of course, stops along the way!—your pace will likely be slower than this. Why this pace? Here’s an explainer.
Outside of our signature events, we also host community programming that gets Chicagoans moving and exploring the city through the lens of its stories. Check specific event details for pace, walking options, and more.
Read & Run Chicago’s signature events are typically three to five miles with several stops along the way at landmarks corresponding to the book inspiring the event.
Alternate modes of transportation
Prefer another mode of transport at our signature events? Join guided routes by bike, scooter, skateboard, racing wheelchair, rollerblades, or whatever gets you at an 11:00 minute per mile pace—so long as you manage your own safety.
See that helmet? Yep, that means Read & Run Chicago guide Carrie Mathews actually BIKED one of the events she guided. She did it, and you can, too!
Post-run Q&A only ticket options
Not able to join the movement portion of our signature events? Tickets often include a post-run author Q&A/discussion only option. You are still a reader & runner and you are still welcome with us.
Our friends at Chicago Books & Social Club visited our Q&A with author Christie Tate in March 2025.
What and how to prep
Read the book or don’t? Where to show up? We have all the answers, future readers & runners. Read this blog about what to know before your first event.
First-time reader & runner experiences
Several readers & runners came to events for the first time and were thrilled with how welcomed and accepted they felt. For example, watch or listen to this video where Jyontika shares her experience as a first-time reader & runner.
We are here to help
We don’t throw you to the urban Chicago coyotes! We have an incredible team behind Read & Run Chicago and spectacular volunteers at every event.
Still have questions?
Read our full FAQs here. Still got questions? Email me at Allison@readandruntours.com.
Still not sure if a Read & Run Chicago event is right for you? Join a social meetup instead!
Still not sure?
Join one of our community programming like Move + Book Swap or reading gatherings to get to know our community in a low-stakes setting—and make a few connections before your first event.