Deb Mell Kicks Off '3.3 in the 33rd' Fun Runs

IRVING PARK — Ald. Deb Mell (33rd) will lead constituents on a 3.3-mile jog through Irving Park on Tuesday evening, kicking off a series of "3.3 in the 33rd" fun runs.

"I'm glad we're not the 50th Ward," joked Mell.

The runs, she said, are designed to promote fitness and increased pedestrian activity in the ward, which spans portions of Albany Park, Avondale and Irving Park. If the first run is a success, she plans to repeat the event on a yet-to-be-determined frequency, alternating routes among neighborhoods and perhaps even finishing up at a pub or restaurant.

Patty Wetli chats with DNAinfo Radio to discuss just how fun this "fun run" could be:

"It really just seemed like something fun to do," she said. "Let's get together and go for a fun run."

Mell, who has completed two marathons, encouraged people of all levels of running experience to join in on Tuesday.

"No one should be intimidated. I'm a slow runner," said Mell, who estimated her pace at 12-minute miles.

The run starts at 6:30 p.m. sharp, with staff from Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers taking participants through a series of warm-up stretches beforehand.

The route starts and finishes at the Chicago International Charter School, 3820 N. Spaulding Ave., winding through Grace, Kimball, Irving Park, California, Kedzie and Byron along the way.