Chicago’s Running Marathon: How One Man Is Conquering Every Street in the City

CHICAGO — In a city known for its grit and determination, one man is pushing the limits of endurance, community spirit, and sheer willpower. Joabe Barbosa, a 25-year-old graduate student at Roosevelt University, has embarked on an unprecedented mission: to become the first person in history to run on every single street in Chicago. With over 4,000 miles of pavement to cover—spanning 77 neighborhoods—Barbosa’s journey is as much about physical stamina as it is about celebrating the heart of the city.

As of May 2026, Barbosa has completed approximately 80% of his goal, running an average of 10 miles a day, six days a week, regardless of weather conditions. His dedication has earned him the admiration of Chicagoans, who have rallied behind him with unwavering support. From the bustling streets of the Loop to the vibrant communities of the South and West Sides, Barbosa’s mission has become a symbol of resilience, and unity.

— ### The Mission: Running Every Street in Chicago Barbosa’s goal is nothing short of monumental. Chicago’s street network stretches across 234.53 square miles, with over 2,000 streets to navigate. To tackle this challenge, he employs a methodical approach: mapping out a grid and using a zig-zag pattern to ensure no block is left unrun. His progress is meticulously documented on social media and the running app Strava, where he shares his journey with the world.

Despite facing extreme weather—including some of the coldest days in years—Barbosa remains undeterred. In a recent interview with ABC7 Chicago, he reflected on his perseverance: *“Coldest day in years, but that doesn’t stop me. Because I’m gonna be out there with the Chicago flag representing and trying to get more streets.”*

His mission began in August 2024, and since then, he has immersed himself in the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Barbosa, who was born in Brazil and raised in England, moved to Chicago to pursue his doctorate in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University. His background as an athlete—having earned a sports scholarship in Kentucky—has prepared him for the physical demands of his quest.

— ### Why Chicago? Community and Connection Barbosa’s journey is as much about the city as it is about the run. He has described Chicago as a place where “amazing people” support him at every turn. His favorite communities to run through include the South Side and West Side, where he has received particularly warm welcomes.

*“I really like running on the South Side,”* Barbosa shared. *“Amazing people there always supporting me on my journey.”*

His mission has also fostered connections across the city. By running every street, Barbosa aims to highlight the unique character of each neighborhood, from historic landmarks to hidden gems. His story has resonated deeply with Chicagoans, many of whom see his journey as a testament to the city’s spirit of perseverance.

— ### The Science Behind the Run: Mapping and Methodology To ensure he covers every street without repetition, Barbosa relies on a combination of technology and strategy. His approach includes:

• Grid Mapping: Breaking down Chicago’s street network into a systematic grid to avoid missing any blocks.
• Zig-Zag Pattern: Running in a back-and-forth motion to cover all sides of a neighborhood efficiently.
• Public Transportation: Using Chicago’s transit system, including the CTA, to travel to different parts of the city and maximize his running time.
• Documentation: Tracking his progress on Strava and sharing updates on social media to engage with supporters.

Barbosa’s methodical planning has allowed him to maintain a consistent pace, even as the city’s terrain varies from urban sidewalks to quieter residential streets. His discipline serves as an inspiration to others, proving that determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

— ### Support from the City of Chicago Barbosa’s mission has not gone unnoticed by Chicago’s leadership. Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city officials have recognized the positive impact of his efforts, which have brought attention to neighborhoods across the city. While there is no official endorsement of his mission, Barbosa’s story aligns with Chicago’s commitment to community engagement and inclusivity.

The city’s official website highlights its dedication to welcoming all residents, including immigrant and refugee communities, and Barbosa’s journey reflects the diversity and resilience of Chicago’s population. His story also underscores the city’s rich history, built on the traditional homelands of Native nations such as the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Odawa, whose contributions continue to shape the city’s identity.

— ### What’s Next for Joabe Barbosa? With approximately 20% of his goal remaining, Barbosa is focused on completing the final stretches of his journey. His target is to finish running every street in Chicago by the end of 2026, though he has not set a specific deadline. As he nears the finish line, his story continues to captivate the city, serving as a reminder of the power of perseverance and community.

For those inspired by his mission, Barbosa encourages others to explore their own neighborhoods and connect with the city in meaningful ways. *“Everywhere in Chicago, amazing people everywhere you go,”* he says. *“They always support me on my journey.”*

As Barbosa continues his historic run, one thing is clear: his journey is more than a personal challenge—it’s a celebration of Chicago’s spirit, diversity, and unyielding determination.

— ### Key Takeaways

• Joabe Barbosa, a Roosevelt University graduate student, aims to become the first person to run every street in Chicago, covering over 4,000 miles.
• He has completed approximately 80% of his goal, running an average of 10 miles a day, six days a week.
• Barbosa’s mission highlights Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, from the South Side to the West Side, where he has received strong community support.
• His journey is documented on Strava and social media, engaging supporters and inspiring others to explore the city.
• While not officially endorsed by the city, Barbosa’s story aligns with Chicago’s values of inclusivity and resilience.

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