If you’ve ever looked at a map of Seattle and thought, “I could probably walk that,” here’s your chance to prove it.
Returning for its second year on Saturday, May 16, the Seattle Super Saunter is a free, self-guided trek that stretches the entire length of Seattle. The official meetup starts at 8 a.m. near the Shoreline South/148th light rail station and the walk’s endpoint is the Garden of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ. There’s no strict schedule and you don’t even have to follow the suggested route; people can start early, jump in midway, or peel off whenever they want.
The route itself is part endurance challenge, part city tour. Depending on how you wander, expect somewhere between 20 and 25 miles of walking, though the group-led route clocks in closer to 26. Most people will probably spend six to ten hours making the journey.
This year’s suggested route was designed to showcase iconic Seattle spots and scenic neighborhoods. Walkers will pass through Green Lake, Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District, Jefferson Park, the Chief Sealth Trail, and more. The route also sticks fairly close to light rail stations, making it easy to bail out, skip ahead, or join friends later in the day.
Despite the mileage, this definitely is not a race. There’s no prize for finishing first, no required route, and honestly no rule saying you even have to walk the whole thing. Participants are welcome to run, skateboard, bus, or otherwise improvise their way across the city. The only rule is no cars or motorcycles.
The goals of this event, according to the website, are threefold:
- Encourage folks to walk
- To build Community
- Appreciate the wonderful city of Seattle
There are planned breaks along the way at spots including Zylberschtein’s Delicatessen & Bakery, Gas Works Park, Seattle Center, and Pike Place. Walkers are encouraged to use this time for snacks, bathrooms, and meeting fellow saunterers. As of this week, over 1,000 people have signed up for this year’s Saunter.
The event wraps up at the Columbia City Night Market at 6 p.m., complete with food vendors, a beer garden, and discounted Rainier beers for anyone sporting a saunter bib. Not a bad reward after crossing an entire city on foot.
For a map of the route and more info, you can visit the event website.
