Read & Run Chicago Event in Lemont: The Cora Tozzi Series
Read & Run Group, Image Courtesy of Read & Run | Kyle Nowaczyk Photography
Have you ever read a book, perhaps inspired by a place you’ve lived or visited, and saw yourself mentally roaming the streets just as the characters have? Allison Yates, founder of Read & Run Tours, was inspired by exactly that. Yates combined her two favorite hobbies — running and reading books inspired by and set in real-life locations — to create Read & Run Tours. This running club hosts events that feature a running route corresponding to real-life locations featured in one of the novels and this series will cover historical topics like Irish immigration, Illinois’s indigenous history, and even Chicago mob history.
With your running guide, you’ll move at a comfortable pace through the route, stopping for water breaks and a chance to meet authors, explore each location, or learn a little more about history.
Lemont is an active community and we jumped at the opportunity to create a series of our own!
Introducing Read & Run Lemont: The Cora Tozzi Series
Our Lemont Downtown Read & Run series will feature the books of local author Pat Camalliere. The Cora Tozzi series features a lovely character, Cora, as she takes on a mystery that ties modern-day Lemont to its history. Readers & runners will run where the books take place, gain historical context to the stories, learn fun facts, and finish each running route with an optional post-run hangout in Downtown Lemont with author Pat Camalliere.
You’ll be able to enjoy light bites from local restaurants, buy Read & Run Chicago merch, and purchase books. No prior reading is required for any of the events in this series, but you’ll have the chance to purchase the book during our Q&A with the author.
All ages, running levels, and abilities are welcome to join one or all of the runs in this series. Special guidance and alternate routes may be given to folks with kids, strollers, or special needs to make the experience more accessible.
If you love Lemont history and books but are unable to join the running portion of the events, please join the group at the post-run Q&A locations (see below). We will indicate in each event’s details if alternative movement options (walking, cycling, rolling) are possible for the routes.
Read & Run Chicago Event in Lemont | Brad Tammaro
Event 2: Running Tour of The Mystery at Black Patridge woods \ Book 2
Saturday, may 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Here are all the details:
MEET: Meet at the Schneider's Passage entrance to the Centennial (600 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville) between 8:50am-9:00am on Saturday, May 4.
PARKING: If you are arriving by car, note there is limited parking at the trail entrance but there are several nearby parking lots within about a 1/2 mile distance. Plan accordingly.
RUNNING ROUTE: We’ll run an easy-paced (~11:00 minute/mile), 3-mile out-and-back route.
FOR WALKERS: Folks with kids, strollers, and all ages and abilities are welcome to meet the runners by 9:00 am for the beginning of the program. You’ll take a similar route with a Read & Run Chicago volunteer at your own pace.
OPTIONAL PREPARE/PREPARE: This is a running tour and it is optional to read The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods prior to this run. You’ll be able to purchase your copy during the post-run Q&A directly from the author.
If you’d like to read the book prior to this run, we encourage you to borrow a copy from your local library branch (here's how to get a card from the Chicago Public Library if you don't have one). If you prefer to purchase the book, you will find it at Smokey Row Antiques.
POST-RUN: After the running route finishes, readers & runners can drive or carpool to Pollyanna Brewing Company - Lemont (431 Talcott Avenue – about a 10-15 minute drive), where Pat Camalliere will provide additional historical information and chat with runners. You’ll be able to purchase your copies of her books, snack on light bites, and buy Read & Run Chicago merch. One drink from Pollyanna is included in your ticket.
Q&A ONLY OPTION: If you want to socialize with other readers & runners and meet the author but are unable to join the running portion of the event, please plan to meet us directly at Pollyanna by 10:30am.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If the weather becomes unsafe to be outside we will provide an alternative event. Registered runners will be informed no later than 8am on Saturday, May 4.
All registered runners will receive reminder details two days and four hours prior to the event.
Image Courtesy of Read & Run Chicago | Kyle Nowaczy Photography
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The final run of our three-part series is already in the works. The routes will vary giving runners a chance to explore even more of Lemont and to make the runs accessible for all.
Event 3: Running Tour of The Mystery at Mount Forest Island on Saturday, June 15 at 9am
For more information on Read & Run Lemont, follow Read x Run Tours on Instagram or follow Lemont Downtown on Instagram and Facebook or subscribe to the Downtown Digest and SMS.
