The Great Saunter is always held on the first Saturday in May. In 2027, the event will be on May 1.

The fee for 2027 has not yet been set. In 2026, Individuals paid $35.00. We do not offer family or group registrations.

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

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

Officially, 32, but has been slightly longer the past few years due to detours along the route.

We walk around the shoreline of Manhattan – up the west side and down the east side, staying as close to the waterfront as possible.

The west side route is easy to follow, but you’ll be walking through city streets on the second half. Although we will have some volunteers helping you find your way, for the most part you will be navigating yourself. You can pick up a paper map on the day of the event, but we strongly recommend you learn to use our interactive digital map with the GPS location marker.

Here is how to use the map:

• On your mobile phone, navigate to map.Shorewalkers.org in your browser.
• The map will show your location while you walk (as a blinking blue dot) if you enable location services for the browser you’re using on your mobile phone and give permission for the page to access your location.
• Watch a video tutuorial here.
• We suggest bringing a portable battery pack to charge your mobile device during the walk.

You’ll find the latest route in our digital map on the Great Saunter page of the Shorewalkers website. See “What is the route?” for instructions on how to use it.

You can pick up a paper map on walk day. We will also supply a GPX file you can import to your current map software, such as Strava, All Trails, and Garmin.

No, the city does not permit signs

The west side route is easy to follow, but you’ll be walking through city streets on the second half. Although we will have some volunteers helping you find your way, for the most part you will be navigating yourself. You can pick up a paper map on the day of the event, but we strongly recommend you learn to use our interactive digital map with the GPS location marker. See “What is the route?” for instructions on how to use it.

No, when we are on riverside paths, we share the route with walkers, runners, bicyclists, skateboarders, e-bikes, and e-scooters. Stay on the parts of paths designated for pedestrians and be alert and cautious at all times. When we are on city streets, obey all rules for pedestrians.

Yes, restrooms are marked on the digital map (see “What is the route?” for instructions on how to use it). Restrooms are located in city parks and playgrounds and are no more than three miles apart, but there’s always a chance of unexpected closures. Please be prepared for the possibility that you’ll have to leave the route to find a restroom in a coffee shop or store. We also suggest you bring along tissues and hand sanitizer.

Good walking shoes (see Is it better to wear sneakers or hiking boots?), a hat (in case you want to skip the hat pickup line and start as soon as you get to 55 Water St.), sunscreen, a poncho or rain jacket if the forecast says rain, a battery pack, and enough snacks and beverages to fuel your day. If you’re worried about blisters, consider bringing extra socks and some Band-Aids.

Saunterers with bibs can pick up limited snacks and water along the route, while supplies last. These will not be enough to fuel your entire day. Bring your own snacks and lunch or plan to buy them. Also be prepared to either refill a water bottle at a park fountain or buy beverages along the route. Don’t forget electrolytes if they’re part of your hydration plan.

There is no place to buy food inside Inwood Hill Park, which is the halfway mark on the route. There are delis and restaurants as you exit the park, as well as a farmer’s market selling fruits and vegetables. We recommend packing snacks and lunch or buying food at one of the eateries close to 55 Water Street Plaza before you start.

No. There will be a medic at the finish until 10 p.m., but we will not have aid stations along the way. The entire walk is in Manhattan, though, so if you need supplies or medical care, you will easily find stores or urgent care facilities.

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Start at 55 Water St. Plaza.

9:30 a.m. Arrive at W. 42nd St. by Circle Line Cruise Terminal.

11 a.m. Pass beneath Riverbank State Park at W. 138th St.

12 p.m. Pass the Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge.

1 p.m. Midway break in Inwood Hill Park near the flagpole.

4 p.m. Enter Carl Schurz Park at E. 86th St.

6:30 p.m. Walk under the Brooklyn Bridge toward the finish line.

7 p.m. Finish at Fraunces Tavern. Collect your certificate and celebrate your Saunter.

This depends on your start time, your walking speed, and how many rest stops you take and for how long. The average finish time is about 12 hours. We will be at the start from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and at the finish from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you arrive after 10 p.m., we can mail your certificate. On May 1, the sun will set at 7:51 p.m., so please be prepared to walk in the dark if you won’t be finished by then. Our volunteers along the route leave by 8 p.m.

Registrants can pick up a Great Saunter cap and commemorative map and button at the start, as well as water and snacks along the route, all while supplies last.

Yes, volunteers are essential to a successful Great Saunter. Volunteering is a wonderful way to experience the event, support fellow walkers, and contribute to the Shorewalkers community. Volunteers who wish to walk in the 2028 Great Saunter will receive guaranteed entry.

Volunteer signup for Great Saunter 2027 opens in February. 

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

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.

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.

Usually about half of those who start walk the full course. Feel free to join and walk only as far as you feel comfortable and safe for you. We strongly urge you to stop if you feel unwell in any way, or if you are uneasy about walking in the dark toward the end of the route.

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.

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 Support@shorewalkers.org.

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.

We offer a pick-up option for those who live in the NY Metro area. Bibs that are not picked up are mailed to registrants in the US and Canada. International registrants may pick up their bibs the morning of the event.

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

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