On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Staten Island Marathon Walk will take place, offering a scenic route from Union County, New Jersey, through Staten Island, and finishing in Manhattan. As part of the Cross-Jersey Challenge, this walk covers about 22-26 miles of trails, beaches, boardwalks, and offers plenty of beautiful views along the way. It’s designed for those looking for a full day of walking, with a mix of natural and city sights.
The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to wrap up by 6:30 p.m., making it a 10-hour journey. The starting point is the Elizabeth Public Library, located at 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. It’s just a short three-block walk from the Elizabeth Station on NJ Transit, making it easy to reach by train. Walkers will begin in front of the library, head down along the Elizabeth River, and cross the Goethals Bridge with views of Manhattan. The trail includes flat but varied terrain, from dirt paths to pavement, and some areas along the beach and boardwalk that might be a bit muddy.
This marathon walk is free to join, but donations to the East Coast Greenway Alliance are appreciated. Participants can support the effort to build a 3,000-mile multi-use trail from Canada to Key West. It’s a great option for those who aren’t up for the full 50-mile “Big Walk” that covers more ground. If 22-26 miles is still a bit too much, there’s the option to finish three miles early at the World Trade Center PATH station. There are also bus stops on Staten Island that can take you to the ferry if needed.
Walkers will enjoy a varied route that includes some of the area’s best spots: the Elizabeth River Parkway, Goethals Bridge, Staten Island’s Willowbrook Park, Cedar Grove Beach, the FDR Boardwalk and Beach, Midland Beach, and South Beach. As the walk continues, participants will pass under the impressive Verrazano Narrows Bridge and through the historic grounds of Fort Wadsworth. The route then winds up Bay Avenue, where there are some small shops, before reaching the Staten Island Ferry. This ferry ride into Manhattan is free, offering a chance to rest and enjoy the views before continuing the walk along the Hudson River.
The last leg of the walk in Manhattan offers optional stops at the World Trade Center or the High Line. The official end point is New York Penn Station, right in Midtown. This is a great option for those who love both nature and city scenery and are ready for a challenging walk.
This walk is part of the FreeWalkers’ Spring 2025 Cross-Jersey Challenge, which aims to cover 100 miles of the East Coast Greenway across New Jersey. Other walks in this series include the “Spring Ahead Walk” on March 22 (14 miles), the April 5 “Great Canal Walk” (28 or 40 miles), the April 26 “Kruimer Walk” (13 miles), and the May 17 “Big Walk” (24 or 50 miles). Participants can complete the 100-mile challenge over three to five days or stretch it out over several events throughout the year.
The FreeWalkers and their partners, including the East Coast Greenway Alliance and Circuit Trails, are committed to creating more walking opportunities. They encourage people to come out, enjoy the beautiful route, and take on the challenge. Charles Updike, the coordinator of this event, is available for questions and more details at 916-225-0569. It’s a fantastic chance for people to explore a mix of nature and urban landscapes while pushing themselves across this well-planned route.
