The first Great Saunter took place back in 1985 and we’ve been walking every year except for a two-year hiatus during the pandemic.

The Great Saunter is almost entirely on paved trails and sidewalks.

Approximately 35% of Great Saunter participants historically come from outside New York City, many of them even from around the globe. This makes for a wonderful experience where like-minded people can connect and share stories, making the miles fly by!

We accept registration via credit card or PayPal so it matters not where you live. As for packets, we mail to the continental U.S. and Canada, though those living outside these areas must pick up their packets at Fraunces Tavern on the morning of the event. We don’t offer day of registration so be sure to pre-register to reserve your bib.

The Great Saunter is open to people of all ages, though we encourage participants to make responsible choices as to their own physical fitness to walk long distances as well as the children in their charge. As noted, completion of the full 32 miles is not required to join the Saunter so walk only as far as feels right for you and your family on event day.

Yes, provided you have experience walking long distances with your dog on both crowded city streets and trails, ensuring you have a water bowl and snacks for your furry friend!

Historically, half of those who start the Great Saunter walk the full 32 miles. Finishing is not an obligation! If one is unable to complete the Great Saunter in a single day, we recommend returning another year to cover unexplored sections. Go as far as you feel comfortable and enjoy your Saunter experience.

We recommend that participants wear whatever shoes they know in advance are most comfortable over long distances, ideally a pair you’ve broken in. Given the long-distance and paved surfaces, we recommend not wearing anything heavier than a trail shoe. If you take 64,000 steps to complete the Great Saunter, a lighter shoe can make a big difference. We also recommend a change of socks at the halfway point to minimize blisters by keeping your feet dry.

Before attempting the Great Saunter, consult your physician to insure long distance walking is right for you.  We recommend walking regularly in the months leading up to the Great Saunter to build endurance and become familiar with your pace and hot points. Shorewalkers provides many walks of various distances to help you train for the event, which you can find on our Members Only Meet Up page.

We advise you bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated throughout, refilling at water fountains in the parks and playgrounds along the route OR purchasing water from convenience stores you may pass.

Several snack stops are planned along the Great Saunter route, where snacks will be distributed while supplies last.  However, we recommend that participants bring their own snacks (fruit, nuts, energy bars) to keep fueled throughout the event.

There are no food vendors in Inwood Hill Park where we have our lunch break. If you need to pick up food, there are a few delis near the start, a food hall just off the route at 125th St. (Manhattanville Market), and a farmer’s market and take-out shops close to our lunch stop in Inwood Hill Park.

Yes, we do! We have a Facebook page & Instagram that we regularly post on, and are also on Twitter, LinkedIn & YouTube. Follow us to stay connected but also make sure you are on our mailing list for regular updates.

We need over 100 volunteers to host & run the Great Saunter. Add your name to our Volunteer List or contact Carole Blane at Volunteers@shorewalkers.org.