Kick off Memorial Day weekend and Pride Month early with a **\~3.5-mile book club** with **David Jay Collins’s** inspired by his novel ***Gaybash***, a novel set during Memorial Day weekend in **Boystown/Northalsted**. On this fun run, we'll visit several iconic Boystown locations included in the novel and that hold special meaning for both the author and one of the country's most famous "gayborhoods." No prior reading required.

After the guided run, hang out with author David Jay Collins at **Elevate Coffee** and purchase your copy of *Gaybash*. One coffee or tea included in every ticket.

### **Here's the TL;DR:**

**MEET**: Doors open at **Elevate Coffee** ([Google Maps link here](https://goo.gl/maps/UHa4TGYipAGftZEZ7 "https://goo.gl/maps/UHa4TGYipAGftZEZ7")) at **5:45pm** on **Friday, 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 that also signify safety for Chicago's LGBTQ community.

**END**: The post-run meet-and-greet with **David Jay Collins** will be held at **Elevate Coffee** ([Google Maps link here](https://goo.gl/maps/UHa4TGYipAGftZEZ7 "https://goo.gl/maps/UHa4TGYipAGftZEZ7")). If you loved the book but prefer to join only for the author meet-and-greet, meet the group 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 attendees will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.



### **About your hosts:**

**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. He is the author of the *Summerdale* horror trilogy.

**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](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 newsletter: [https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us](https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us "https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us")

Running

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.

The Gayborhood: A Literary Fun Run with author David Jay Collins

About this event

Cancellation policy