Come take a closer look at Chicago’s unofficial mascot: rats.
Tickets:
Monday, March 9 at 8pm: The access code for FREE tickets releases to non-members in our newsletter. Newsletter subscribers get first dibs—and free tickets!
Monday, March 16 at 8pm: Any remaining tickets will open on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Want a guaranteed spot (plus a lot of other perks)? Become a member to join for free.
About the event:
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.