What is a Read & Run on the Road event?

Read & Run on the Road (OTR) is a pop-up running event that brings stories to life through movement.

Each guided route is inspired by a book set in the host location, with stops along the way that correspond to real places featured in the story. Every event follows an overarching theme that ties these stops together — helping runners connect more deeply with the book, the city, and each other.

Though Read & Run Tours events happen in a range of places and delve into a range of topics, all Read & Run OTR events share the following commonalities:

  • Read & Run on the Road events have two parts: movement and conversation. The movement portion features a three- to five-mile guided run (though distances can vary if there’s a clear reason for it). After the run, participants gather for a Q&A or discussion at a local bookstore, library, public space, or other small, locally owned business. While author participation isn’t required, having the author — or a relevant guest such as a community representative or historian — can enrich the experience and deepen runners’ connection to the story and place.

  • The content provided at each stop should cover the following topics:

    • What is the building/corner/business/area? Briefly describe its history and context.

    • Why are you stopping there? What role does it play in the book?

    • How does this stop contribute to the overall message of the event?

    Keep in mind, the overall goal of the Read & Run on the Road program is to help readers & runners use the format to connect more deeply with the places they call home. Make callbacks to previous stops, make connections that readers & runners might not grasp, and make each moment count. Stops should not exceed 5-10 minutes at most.

  • Read & Run OTR events cover a diverse range of topics, from the environment to food and culture. No topic is off limits, so long as it is done respectfully. If the topic pertains to a marginalized group, the event should always include voices from within that community, and the book should always depict people from that community as the main characters.

    Read & Run OTR events should help runners connect more thoughtfully with their homes. A core tenant of Read & Run OTR events is that they highlight stories and authors that have traditionally been overlooked. It is especially encouraged to focus on stories written by women and BIPOC authors.

    A Read & Run OTR event is not:

    • A race or competition

    • Exclusively a walk or bike ride

    • A run without a route inspired by book

    • A place to only highlight the most stereotypical aspects of a place

    • Strictly promotional or marketing

  • Book Club Runs

    The topic of this run focuses on the plot, characters, and story. There is runner participation in the stops and opportunities for discussion, thoughts, and questions. Most similar to a traditional book club. Attendees are strongly encouraged to read the book ahead of time to have the best experience.

    This event is perfect for:

    • Those who can commit to reading the book inspiring the event before coming.

    • Readers & runners who love to discuss a book – what they liked, what they didn’t like, how it made them feel. Sometimes questions along the route get personal, but readers & runners never have to answer if they don’t want to!

    • Readers & runners looking to talk to new people – this is the most interactive programming category!

    • Fiction fans (most book club runs are inspired by fiction).

    Running Tours

    Led by a well-researched guide, local expert, or the author herself, these routes provide context, background, and further detail to enhance the readers’ & runners’ understanding of a suggested accompanying text, whether fiction or nonfiction. Runners are not required to read anything ahead of time.

    This event is perfect for:

    • Busy readers & runners (no prior reading required).

    • History lovers and fun fact enthusiasts (most running tours are inspired by non-fiction books).

    • Those who want to sit back and take in information – these are our least interactive runs.

    Trail Runs

    Routes take place on trails (paved, crushed gravel, dirt, rock, etc.). No prior reading required.

    This event is perfect for:

    • Readers & runners who have had enough of the concrete – let’s see some plants!

    • Readers & runners who prefer not to read before showing up – no prior reading requested.

    • Those who are willing to travel a bit more (public transportation or car) to run (trail) runs built by stories. Sometimes these runs take place outside city limits.

    Fun Runs

    Runs that feature local authors, “fun” topics like food, drink, local points of interest, or funny topics, and are an opportunity for readers & runners to build community. These events are more likely to have routes with one or no stops, with information provided at the beginning and end of the run. These runs can also be followed by a book swap or other activity that aligns well. For example, a run to a historic bakery followed by cookie decorating at a locally-owned, woman-owned bakery. No prior reading required.

    This event is perfect for:

    • If you’re here for the fun facts rather than the in-depth information.

    • Someone looking for “lighter” content – some examples of Fun Runs have included our bakery series, scavenger hunts, pizza tastings, and more.

    • Readers & runners looking to find new and unexpected parts (or foods) in the city – and want to use movement to explore them.

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