About this Event
Kick off Memorial Day weekend and Pride Month early with a ~3.5-mile book club run led by Read & Run Chicago guide Courtney Ruhland inspired by David Jay Collins’s Gaybash, a novel set during Memorial Day weekend in Boystown/Northalsted, followed by an in-person author chat (and drinks!) at Elevate Coffee! You'll also have the chance to purchase David Jay Collins's books and buy Read & Run Chicago merch at Elevate.
In Gaybash, main character Matt Thompkins is faced headfirst with the fact he’s always lived a comfortable life within easily-discernible lanes. When he’s confronted with a terrible and violent situation near his house, his awakening leads him to make a decision that will impact his life forever. As David Jay Collins says, “Gaybash is about trusting yourself and believing in yourself, no matter who you are.”
Here are all the details you need to know:
PREPARE: Before the event, please read David Jay Collins’s novel, Gaybash. We encourage you to borrow a copy from your local branch of the Chicago Public Library (here's how to get a card if you don't have one). If you prefer to purchase the book, Gaybash is available in the following formats from David Jay Collins’s site here: ebook, paperback, or audible.
MEET: Meet at Elevate Coffee (Google Maps link here) between 5:45-5:55pm on Thursday, May 23. You can drop personal items at Elevate before the run. The program will begin promptly at 6:00pm.
ROUTE: We will run an easy-paced, ~3.5 mile route inspired by the book, stopping at locations in the lives of characters Matt and Greg.
END: The post-run Q&A with David Jay Collins will be held at Elevate Coffee (Google Maps link here). If you loved the book but prefer to join only for the author chat, meet runner at Elevate at 7:30pm! David will also have books for sale, will sign books, and will answer any questions you have about being an indie author.
All registered runners will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.
About : Collins works for Northwestern University and lives in Lakeview. He is currently writing the third novel in the Summerdale horror trilogy.
About : 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 60 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 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.
Stay in touch: Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Elevate Coffee - Boystown, 3344 North Halsted Street, Chicago, United States
USD 5.00 to USD 20.00
