A "Not As Big Walk" for 2013

The 4th Annual "Big Walk" will take place on May 18, 2013 along the same course of the East Coast Greenway except that due to the devastation of  Hurricane Sandy on Liberty State Park we will eliminate an entire 7 mile loop that is normally part of our Big Walk. That means the normal 50-Mile walk will only be 42 miles this year.

The pedestrian bridge that we used to get into the park was destroyed and is not yet rebuilt. Most of the 3 mile promenade along the water is also restricted and in need of repairs. So, this entire 7 miles of trail in Liberty State Park will be eliminated from the 50-mile walk this year making the Big Walk "only" 42 miles. Still, a sizeable challenge for most of us. The park is expected to be recovered in the weeks ahead.

"The Big Walk" is still a tough long walk through suburban and urban New Jersey ending in New York City organized by the FreeWalkers and in support of the East Coast Greenway. The Greenway staff also provide much appreciated SAG assistance along the way.

50 mile route stops

2011 Big Walk Video

The Big Walk 2011 from Paul Kiczek on Vimeo.

We anticipate even more particpation in this popular walk this year and great support along the way too.

It was a testament to the hardy group of 2012 Big Walkers that over 70 walkers participated and 16 walkers made the entire 50 miles!

Story cover from Life Magazine 1963Background on The Big Walk

The origin of a 50-mile walk, or urban hike, dates back in the 1963 when President Kennedy challenged the American Public to actively pursue a better, healthier lifestyle. Today, although we know more about how to live better,  we often make the wrong choices or are too busy to pay proper attention to our own health and creating communities that we want to live in.

On February 9, 2013, the FreeWalkers organized the first 50-Mile Kennedy Walk on the same route where Robert F. Kennedy originally walked 50-miles on behalf of his brother's interest in physical fitness for all Americans. Join us next year in Washington for a repeat of that 50-mile adventure on the C&O Canal.

By participating in the "Big Walk" we can break out and experience a new pro-pedestrian movement that provides opportunities to exercise, experience and contribute to improving our communities as well as ourselves. It's up to you to create your own challenge and test your own limits.