Read & Run Chicago uses movement and stories to explore our city by hosting events with book-themed guided runs where the story takes place, followed by Q&As with local authors. On November 9, 2025, we’re hosting a six-mile guided running tour through Chicago’s Avalon Park, Chatham, and Greater Grant Crossing neighborhoods on the South Side in partnership with authors Monica Eng and David Hammond inspired by their book, Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites. Along the route, we’ll stop at four local eateries and learn about their history and their iconic South Side creations like Jim Shoe, steak and lemonade, and more. After the route, we’ll end with an author discussion with Monica and David and a taste-testing at the Chicago Public Library Avalon Branch. This event will be free and open to the public with a capacity of 80 runners. The goal is to bring people from all over the Chicagoland area to the South Side to run together in a neighborhood few tourists and visitors go to, and also use the story and food to celebrate the people and businesses of this area.