Great Saunter2023-09-30T06:54:39-05:00
The Great Saunter 2022 Logo 250px

May 4, 2024

Thirty-Two Miles. Twelve Hours. One Day.

Thirty-Two Miles.
Twelve Hours.
One Day.

The Great Saunter®, Shorewalkers epic urban hike, is a 32-mile physical and mental challenge that will let you see New York as you’ve never seen it before! Discover hidden parks, remote shorelines and neighborhoods you rarely visit along the ever-changing perimeter of Manhattan.

Each year on the first Saturday of May, the Great Saunter brings 2,500 walkers together to circumnavigate the shorelines of Manhattan. Meet new people from around the world. View seabirds and sailboats. Enjoy the blooming flowers of May. See magnificent bridges and little-known monuments and have an exhilarating experience you’ll never forget!

Use this interactive map to follow the Great Saunter route. Last updated Sept 17, 2023; may not reflect recent detours. Click “?” on the map for instructions for use on your mobile device.

Registration: Typical Great Saunter Day Schedule

 

 

7:00 AM
Staggered start at Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl Street. Start your walk anytime between 7 AM and 8 AM.

If you have your bib, you do not need to check in. Collect your map and merch, then proceed to the start of the route (around the corner on Water Street) and start your Saunter!

If you did not receive your bib in the mail, pick it up inside Fraunces Tavern starting at 7 AM.

9:30 AM
Late bib pick up for pre-registrants from 9 AM to 10AM at West 42nd Street, by Circle Line Cruise Terminal.
11:00 AM
Pass beneath Riverbank State Park at West 138th Street.
12:00 PM
Pass the Little Red Lighthouse beneath the George Washington Bridge.
1:00 PM
Lunch Break in Inwood Hill Park near the flagpole.

4:00 PM
Carl Schurz Park on the East River Promenade, East 86th Street.
6:30 PM
Walk underneath Brooklyn Bridge towards the finish line.
7:00 PM
FINISH! Collect your Certificate and celebrate your Saunter at Fraunces Tavern.

7:00 AM
Staggered start at Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl Street. Start your walk anytime between 7 AM and 8 AM
If you have your bib, you do not need to check in. Collect your map and merch, then proceed to the start of the route (around the corner on Water Street) and start your Saunter!
If you did not receive your bib in the mail, pick it up inside Fraunces Tavern starting at 7 AM.
9:30 AM
Late bib pick up for pre-registrants from 9 AM to 10AM at West 42nd Street, by Circle Line Cruise Terminal.
11:00 AM
Pass beneath Riverbank State Park at West 138th Street.
12:00 PM
Pass the Little Red Lighthouse beneath the George Washington Bridge.
1:00 PM
Lunch Break in Inwood Hill Park near the flagpole.
4:00 PM
Carl Schurz Park on the East River Promenade, East 86th Street.
6:30 PM
Walk underneath Brooklyn Bridge towards the finish line.
7:00 PM
FINISH! Collect your Certificate and celebrate your Saunter at Fraunces Tavern.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many years has this Saunter been going on?2022-11-21T23:36:08-05:00

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.

What is the terrain walked on the Great Saunter?2021-03-26T20:48:37-05:00

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

Do many people come from outside of NYC? 2021-03-26T20:49:11-05:00

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!

I live outside the US. Is there anything I should know about the registration process?2023-01-19T18:45:18-05:00

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.

What is the age range for the event? Are kids allowed?2021-03-26T20:50:15-05:00

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.

Are dogs welcome at the Great Saunter?2021-03-26T20:50:45-05:00

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!

Do most people finish?2021-03-26T20:51:19-05:00

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.

Do people wear sneakers or a hiking shoe to walk the event?2021-03-26T20:51:49-05:00

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.

How do I train for the Great Saunter?2021-03-26T20:54:47-05:00

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.

Will there be water stations?2023-03-21T20:29:31-05:00

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.

Are there snacks along the way? 2023-03-21T20:32:14-05:00

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.

Can I purchase lunch in Inwood Hill Park?2023-03-21T20:35:21-05:00

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.

 

Does Shorewalkers use social media to post updates?2021-05-23T13:42:53-05:00

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.

Do you need Volunteers to help at the event?2022-11-21T23:27:18-05:00

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.

A Thank-You to Our Sponsors and Donors

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