GILDED STAGE  A Fleet Feet docent tries to keep the attention of some winded runners.

Compensating for the ever-popular deep-dish pizza and encased meats that make Chicago one of the nation’s fattest cities, our city boasts hundreds of miles of well-maintained, runner-friendly paths that wind along the lakefront, through picturesque parks and unique ethnic neighborhoods.

But eventually, whether you’re increasing mileage while training for a marathon or just fighting the battle of the bulge, even the gorgeous views and bumping music on your iPod can become mundane. When you’ve started counting steps and cursing the bikers and rollerbladers you find along the lakefront, it might be time to mix up the routine with a tour. We gave two a trial run to get the tale of the tape.

Fleet Feet Historic fun runs

The nationwide chain for running gear, offers monthly treks through different city neighborhoods via its Historic Run series. On a sunny and hot September Sunday, I joined about 40 runners for a guided tour of Jackson Park. Several buses transported us from the Lincoln Square store down to Jackson Park, famous for being the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and the backdrop for Erik Larson’s best-selling book The Devil in the White City.

Before beginning the five-mile tour, our amicable guide Chuck Betzold gave us handy maps featuring photos of the site during the fair. The elaborate buildings and winding waterways pictured revealed a vibrant, dynamic park that stands in stark contrast to the underutilized land that’s found there today.

Betzold led the way and explained that the buildings were temporary and most of the White City went up in flames in 1894 (mysterious—and likely intentional fires were set). We pause near a few of the structures that are still standing, including the animal bridge, the Osaka Japanese Garden, and the Museum of Science and Industry, which was saved from flames by an interior brick wall.

Our group ranged from svelte marathoners taking an easy day to beginners who looked relieved when we stopped every half mile. It made for a slightly jerky cardio session—right as you started to feel the burn you arrived at the next location. Betzold was well informed and answered all of our questions, but the stop-and-go pace failed to get my heart rate pumping. Our jaunt was capped with a cup of lukewarm, but much-appreciated Gatorade.

City Running Tours

More ambitious runners might prefer City Running Tours, which allows you to choose your own adventure and pace. Created as a resource for business travelers who want to learn about their destination while getting in exercise, the tours allow you to join a run for $60 while away from home in locales like Washington, D.C.; New York; San Diego; or here in Chicago.

“Ninety-five percent of our customers are business travelers, but we can run any time with an individual or group,” says founder Michael Gazaleh. A guide will lead you on a three- to six-mile trek around the neighborhood of your choice, as you set the pace and get lots of one-on-one attention. Expanding my Columbian Exposition knowledge even further, my guide Matt Saffer, a seasoned half-marathoner, and I set out from the replica of the Republic statue and cruised through Jackson Park, past the Museum of Science and Industry, down the Midway Plaisance and around Washington Park.

Because we didn’t stop at each site, we were able to cover more ground and work up a sweat. Saffer talked as we ran, and we only paused when I requested a much-needed water break. I hardly noticed my aching legs and Saffer was helpful both with questions about the exposition and with general running and training tips. In addition, guides carry your water and keys and provide a sweet goody bag filled with body glide, lip balm, a T-shirt and other treats at the end of your tour.

While both tours were interesting and informative, City Running Tours wins this race. The continuous action provided a better workout and kept my mind off my aches, but the steep price tag is too much for a repeat workout. Budget-minded runners and those looking to socialize and slack just a bit may find a better fit with Fleet Feet.