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Local author talks running at Shake Shack

Beers, burgers, books and running? What is there not to love, right?

Beers, burgers, books and running? What is there not to love, right? Make tomorrow's running routine extra special by joining the Shack Track & Field monthly run from Philadelphia Runner's University City Store at 3621 Walnut Street to Shake Shack at 3200 Chestnut Street. Then stay and enjoy some good eats and drinks and be inspired by local author and running coach, Philip Reilly, who will read excerpts from his book, Chasing Ghosts.

Reilly, who grew up in Northeast Philly and who now lives in Roxborough, celebrates the rich culture of the Philadelphia running community in his novel about a Philly guy who on the cusp of turning 30 embarks on a journey to fulfill his dream of competing at the Olympic level.

"There are a lot of how-to books about running, but not a lot of fiction," he told Philly.com. "I wanted to put together a story that was entertaining, but also motivating to not only distance runners, but to anyone chasing their dreams."

Wanting to truly depict a runner's life in Philadelphia, he takes the reader from Kelly Drive to Pennypack Park to the streets of Northeast Philly, even showing the icy challenges runners have to face in the winter time.

"I wanted to show the grittiness it takes to run here, " he explained.

Reilly has been running since he was twelve years old and is currently head men's and women's track and cross country coach at Chestnut Hill College.

The Shack Track & Field run will start at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Shack Track & Field on facebook.

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