Barbosa’s journey began in August 2024 after he grew tired of running the familiar paths along the lakefront. He decided to push himself further and explore the entire city on foot. “I was like, why don’t I run the whole city? No one has ever done it before, so why not be the first one?” he said. His goal is ambitious: to complete running every street in Chicago by April, documenting his progress along the way.
To share his journey, Barbosa started posting updates online, recording runs that take him through both well-known and lesser-explored neighborhoods. His posts highlight Chicago’s diversity and community spirit while also challenging negative stereotypes about certain areas. He enjoys meeting residents during his runs and often finds friendly running partners along the way. “I go to these neighborhoods and people are just so nice, and people love that. Because people in Chicago love Chicago,” he said.
Born in Brazil and raised in England, Barbosa brings a global perspective to his exploration of the city. His multicultural background shapes how he approaches his runs, fostering connections with the city’s residents and showcasing Chicago’s vibrant community.
Over the course of his project, Barbosa has run nearly 4,000 miles. At the time of reporting, he has completed approximately 81% of his goal, leaving just 19% of the city’s streets to cover. Each run is both a personal challenge and an opportunity to celebrate Chicago’s neighborhoods and the people who inhabit them. His commitment demonstrates the combination of discipline, curiosity, and love for urban exploration that drives his unique journey.
Through this endeavor, Barbosa hopes not only to achieve a personal milestone but also to inspire others to explore their cities by foot and experience the diversity and character of urban life. His story is a testament to the way dedication and passion can transform an ordinary activity into an extraordinary adventure.
