Chicago

Four gay men, four addictions, one landlord from hell, and one house that only they can see: what could go wrong? **David Jay Collins**, the author of Lakeview-based LGBTQ novel *Gaybash*, brings us this horror series set in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Whether you're a horror bookworm, Chicago fanatic, or just looking for a spooky adventure on foot, this is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow runners and talk about the ***Summerdale*** horror trilogy directly with the author!

During this exciting gathering, we'll run **easy-paced (11:00 min/mile)** **3-mile run** through the Andersonville streets where Collins uses the stories of characters, Steve, Eric, David, and Aaron to expose difficult, problematic aspects within the gay community. Runners will get an insider scoop about the story and the writing process, along with lesser-known Chicago history.

Following the run, we will hang at **The Lost Hours** for a group discussion with David from around 7:15-8pm.

One drink from The Lost Hours are **included in the cost of the ticket** and BONUS!—all runners will go home with a sample of [**Candyality’s** ](https://candyality.com/ "https://candyality.com/")**spooky\* caramel corn blend**, **Summerdale Crunch**!

\*A mix of two caramel corns, mini Kit Kat and Oreo, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate drizzle, and ghastly candy eyes.

**Here's what else you need to know:**

**PREPARE**: Reading the *Summerdale* series prior to the run is **optional**. You'll be able to purchase your copies directly from David Jay Collins at the event. To purchase beforehand, the books will be available in the following formats from David Jay Collins’s site [here](https://davidjaycollins.com/collections/all "https://davidjaycollins.com/collections/all"): ebook or paperback. Bonus? Grab a [Summerdale T-shirt](https://davidjaycollins.com/collections/all "https://davidjaycollins.com/collections/all") and wear it on the run.

**MEET**: Meet at **6pm** on **Wednesday, October 29** in [**The Lost Hours**](https://www.the-lost-hours.com/ "https://www.the-lost-hours.com/")[**,**](https://www.eliteabar.com/ "https://www.eliteabar.com/") 5256 N Broadway ([Google Maps here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjsumjYBD6JEBdyTA "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjsumjYBD6JEBdyTA")). Runners are able to drop personal items at the venue at this time.

**ROUTE**: We will run an easy-paced, **3-mile route** inspired by the book, stopping briefly at locations featured in the book.

**END**: The post-run Q\&A with David Jay Collins will be held at [**The Lost Hours**](https://www.the-lost-hours.com/ "https://www.the-lost-hours.com/")[**,**](https://www.eliteabar.com/ "https://www.eliteabar.com/") 5256 N Broadway ([Google Maps here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjsumjYBD6JEBdyTA "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjsumjYBD6JEBdyTA")).

If you loved the book but prefer to join only for the author chat, meet runner at The Lost Hours around 7:15pm! Please note that the exact starting time for the Q\&A is heavily dependent on route conditions, and those arriving for this portion only are expected to be patient.

All registered runners will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.

**About** [**David Jay Collins**](https://davidjaycollins.com/pages/about-david "https://davidjaycollins.com/pages/about-david"): Collins works for Northwestern University and lives in Lakeview.

**INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN:** If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will have a book club discussion at an indoor space nearby starting at 6:00pm. You will be notified via email no later than 5pm on Wednesday, October 29 if there are any changes to the event.

**BIKING THE ROUTE**: If you loved these novels but prefer to bike, scooter, skateboard, rollerblade, wheelchair race--whatever!-- this route, you are welcome so long as you manage your own safety. We’d still love to have you!

All registered runners will receive reminder details two days and four hours prior to the event.

**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 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](http://readandrunchicago.com "http://readandrunchicago.com"), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/readandrunchicago/?hl=en "https://www.instagram.com/readandrunchicago/?hl=en"), and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553981373293 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553981373293").

**Stay in touch:** Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: [https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us](https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us "https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us")

Others

By registering for this run, I acknowledge that Read & Run Chicago is not responsible for any personal harm endured by participants. I am aware that this run, in addition to the usual dangers and risks inherent, has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which include: physical exertion for which I may not be prepared and weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected change. I accept all the inherent risks of the proposed route and the possibility of personal injury, death or property damage or loss resulting there from. I agree that if I suffer injury or illness Read & Run Chicago can, at my cost, arrange any medical treatment and emergency evacuation service as it or they deem necessary for my health and safety.I agree to have my photograph taken at the run to be used on social media and Read & Run Chicago's website. By reserving the ticket(s), I affirm that I have fully understood and agree to these Terms and Conditions, Waiver and Release of Liability.

Queer Literary Horror Series Fun Run with Author David Jay Collins

About this event

Cancellation policy