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Joabe Barbosa Completes Run of Every Public Street in Chicago

Roosevelt University created a visa-preserving academic role that let the doctoral student finish the roughly 4,000-mile project and remain enrolled.

Overview

  • Barbosa finished his final segment down Michigan Avenue in a well-attended sendoff as hundreds of supporters ran with him wearing his signature draped Chicago flag.
  • He began the challenge in August 2024 after using running to recover from a mountain hiking accident and set out to cover every public street in the city.
  • Barbosa documented the project on Instagram and TikTok, drawing millions of views and regular participation from community leaders and elected officials.
  • Earlier this year his F-1 visa was put at risk when he went unmatched for a required clinical internship, and local fundraising plus a Roosevelt University appointment preserved his student status.
  • Barbosa says he plans to stay in Chicago and continue showcasing the city, a project that brought broad local support and highlighted how social media can build community ties.