Book Club Run of The Most Fun We Ever Had

Read & Run Chicago's July Book Club Run is inspired by Claire Lombardo's Oak Park-set novel, ! Join guides Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel and New Balance at Fleet Feet Oak Park for an easy-paced (11:00 min/mile+), 3-mile run through leafy, gingko-filled Oak Park to discuss the characters and plot where the book takes place, followed by a virtual Q&A with author Claire Lombardo.

Whether you're a lifelong Oak Parker or never been to this beloved Chicago suburb, you'll use movement and stories to connect more deeply with the Chicagoland area.

As this is a BOOK CLUB RUN, plan to read prior to joining.

Not planning to run? Cyclists welcome (take care of your own safety, please!) and ticket option to attend only the lecture portion.

MEET: Doors open at Fleet Feet Oak Park (102 N Marion) at 7:45am on Saturday, July 12. Drop your personal belongings, make a name tag, get set up a New Balance for shoe demo, and get ready to explore this suburb.

ROUTE: We'll run an easy-paced (11:00 min/mile+), 3-mile route with several stops. Come ready to discuss the book and share your opinions and experiences.

END: Immediately following the route, we'll meet virtually with Claire Lombardo at Fleet Feet Oak Park.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will hold a modified version of the event at the venue starting at 8:00am. You will be notified via email no later than 7am on Sunday, July 12 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.

Allison Yates: Allison (she/her) spends her free time traveling, freelance writing, running, reading, and jumping in Lake Michigan (when it's not freezing!), among other hobbies. Read more about her story.

Fernanda Wetzel: Fernanda (she/her) is an educator, baker, and runner who loves to read, cook, get crafty, and explore new places with her family and friends. She’s originally from Ecuador and has lived in Chicago for 22 years.

Read & Run Chicago is a chapter of Read & Run Tours, LLC, the country’s first and only organization that hosts running events inspired by books. Founded in 2021 by queer educator, freelance writer, and runner Allison Yates, the mission of Read & Run Tours, LLC and the city chapters is to use movement and stories to explore locations. Our community-focused run programming includes running tours, book club runs, author talks, and other literary-themed fun runs all inspired by books set in the cities where chapters are located, written by local authors. While connecting runners to the city’s stories, we also actively support literacy programs, public libraries, independent bookstores, and local authors.

In Chicago, we have hosted more than 100 events (in English and Spanish) for over 300 Chicagoans, featuring over 30 authors or local experts, and we have been featured in various media outlets including CNN, Runner’s World, Midwest Living, NBC’s Chicago Today, Fox32 Good Day Chicago, WGN Radio, Block Chicago, and more.

More information at readandrunchicago.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Also check out other Arts events in Oak Park, Literary Art events in Oak Park.