Great Saunter2024-03-18T08:42:21-05:00
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 celebrates individual effort and an ever-changing city. Each year on the first Saturday of May, the Saunter brings 2,500 walkers together to circumnavigate Manhattan, staying as close to the shoreline as possible.

Join us to see New York City as you’ve never seen it before. Meet people from around the world. Delight in the city’s newest parks, and groan at some of the detours needed to strengthen its resilience. Make note of the neighborhoods without access to the waterfront. And, this is for sure – test your mettle on this exhilarating daylong adventure.

Use this interactive map to follow the Great Saunter route. Last updated March 15, 2024; 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
Arrive 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
Enter 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
Arrive 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
Enter 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.

dont forget these items

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years has this Saunter been going on?2024-01-23T16:19:08-05:00

The first Great Saunter was in 1985, and we have walked it every year except for a two-year hiatus during the COVID pandemic.

Do many people come from outside of NYC? 2024-01-23T16:19:19-05:00

Typically, about 35 percent of participants come from outside the NY Metro area, many from outside the U.S.

Are there giveaways?2024-01-23T16:19:37-05:00

Registrants receive a Great Saunter cap and commemorative map and button, as well as water and snacks along the route, all while supplies last.

What is the age range? Are kids allowed?2024-01-24T10:17:32-05:00

The Great Saunter is open to everyone, including children under 18 accompanied by an adult who accepts full responsibility. Children do not have to register or wear a bib to walk. Exceptions are youth groups, such as students, scouts, and teams. The leaders of these groups should contact us at ShorewalkersNY@gmail.com.

We encourage participants to consider their own and their children’s fitness before joining, but of course there is no requirement to complete the walk. You can join and walk only as far as feels right for you.

Are dogs welcome?2024-01-23T16:22:10-05:00

Sure, as long as you’re comfortable with their ability to walk a long distance on crowded trails and sidewalks and you bring enough water and snacks to keep them well.

In the past, friends or family and I have registered as a group. Where can I find that option this year?2024-01-23T16:23:31-05:00

We no longer offer family and group registration. Each saunterer must register individually and sign a waiver and release at checkout.

How will I get my bib?2024-01-23T16:23:55-05:00

By mail in the U.S. and Canada to the shipping address on file. If you are outside the U.S. or Canada, you will pick up your bib inside Fraunces Tavern on the morning of the event from 7 to 8 a.m. We don’t offer day of registration so be sure to pre-register to reserve your bib.

How many miles is the Great Saunter?2024-01-23T16:24:19-05:00

Officially, 32, but this varies slightly from year to year due to detours along the route.

What is the route?2024-01-23T16:27:03-05:00

We walk around the shoreline of Manhattan – up the west side and down the east side – staying as close to the waterfront as possible. This is an interactive map of the route, which you can use to navigate.
Here’s how to use the map:
● On your mobile phone, navigate to the Great Saunter page on the Shorewalkers website and click “View Mobile Map”; Bookmark the page in your browser for easy access while you’re walking the route.
● The map will show your location while you walk (as a blinking blue dot) if you enable location services on your internet browser and give permission for the page to access your location. Open the map and follow the instructions.
● We suggest bringing a portable battery pack to charge your mobile device during the walk.

You can also pick up a paper map on the day of the event.

How should I train?2024-01-24T10:21:08-05:00

Consult your physician if you have any concerns about completing a long-distance walk. To train, we recommend building your endurance by walking regularly, and increasing your distance over time. It may be helpful to find a training program (search “how to train for long-distance walking”).

Tracking your miles can also help, using whatever method you prefer, whether it’s your favorite app or just a notepad. Shorewalkers has a group on the Strava app and the free version is all you need to track your walks.

What is the terrain?2024-01-23T16:28:22-05:00

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

Is it better to wear sneakers or hiking boots?2024-01-23T16:28:48-05:00

Given the paved surfaces and the long distance (you may take more than 64,000 steps to complete the Saunter), lighter shoes, like running or trail shoes, may be better than hiking boots. We recommend that you test your shoes during your training and go with those that are most comfortable for you. We also suggest a change of socks at the halfway point to minimize blisters by keeping your feet dry.

Will water and snacks be provided?2024-01-23T16:29:03-05:00

Some snacks and water are provided along the route (while supplies last), but we recommend bringing your own snacks and lunch as well as a water bottle to refill at water fountains in parks and playgrounds.

Can I buy lunch at the lunch stop in Inwood Hill Park?2024-01-23T16:29:19-05:00

Most walkers pack a lunch to eat at the park, but there are also delis and restaurants as well as a farmer’s market as you exit the park.

Does Shorewalkers use social media to post updates?2024-01-23T16:29:47-05:00

Yes, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn & Strava. And be sure you are on our mailing list for regular updates.

Do you need Volunteers?2024-01-23T16:30:01-05:00

Yes, volunteers are essential for a successful Great Saunter. If you are interested, sign up here and a volunteer coordinator will contact you.

A Thank-You to Our Sponsors and Donors

Shorewalkers GS Sponsor Logos

A Thank-You to Our Sponsors and Donors

conEdison Logo
Coca Cola Logo
Fraunces Tavern Logo
Beam Logo
NYC Parks Logo

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