Yes. But we’re doing it in parts, and we’re coming home to sleep in our own beds each night. 

Most folks only do one or two days of the walk per season. 

The ~100 mile adventure is divided into segments; you are welcome to join for a whole or partial segment, or multiple days as you are able. 

Please register individually for each segment that you plan to participate in. You’ll find upcoming events at http://www.jjtiziou.net/events/upcoming

Walk Around Philadelphia offers programs throughout the year.
Find out more at www.WalkAroundPhiladelphia.com

As long as it needs to! 

Many participants complete the perimeter walk in segments, over weeks, months or years, joining just one or two segments of our organized walks per season as they’re able. 

Our first walk was completed in five long days (sunrise to sunset in February) plus a shorter half-day segment at the end. In 2020, a group of home-schooled highschool students completed the walk in 14 days of 4-7 mile segments.

Recent iterations of the walk have been split into 10 segments, and the fall 2023 iteration of Walk Around Philadelphia will be split into 12 segments over four weekends (Fri/Sat/Sun) from Aug 25 through Sept 17. 

We highly recommend committing a full day to walking a segment, but there’s also options to just walk a partial segment. (see that FAQ below!)

We’ll also occasionally organize shorter walks and activities at various locations around the perimeter. Sign up for invites!

There are growing ways to participate in this project beyond the walks themselves. 

Keep an eye out for exhibit invites, virtual events, panel discussions, Edge Events & other gatherings.

(Edge Events are events where members of the Walk Around Philadelphia community come together to support / participate in cultural & service events at locations around the city’s perimeter that we might walk by during the walk.) 

Check out upcoming events:
http://www.jjtiziou.net/events/upcoming

There is also an option to be a ‘Trail Angel’ for those doing a walk segment. Trail Angels intercept groups of walkers partway through their journey to provide surprise snacks & encouragement. This is a really sweet experience and also requires some patience and self navigating, as the walkers adjust in real time. Reach out to us at walk@jjtiziou.net if you’re interested! 

Yes, please register individually for each segment that you plan to walk.

This helps us manage group size, and send relevant information and updates to the right participants for each segment. 

Registration fees aren’t meant to be a barrier to access.
No one is turned away for lack of funds.

The registration system requires you to register for each segment individually. 

(This is mostly due to restrictions of our registration system and the need to manage each segment’s group sizes; most participants are just doing one or a few segments.)

If you are able to register for all ten segments at the standard $25/segment registration fee, your combined investment of $250 will have covered the cost of a $200 VISA gift card stipend for another participant in need, and that’s pretty awesome. 

If the cost of doing multiple segments is prohibitive, anyone is welcome to register for any (or all) segments at the $15 discounted registration fee. 

There are also some free & stipend-supported registrations available (see the next FAQ)

There’s some free registrations available, and funds set aside to offer participant stipends (in the form of $200 VISA gift cards) to help cover the costs of time off of work, childcare, transportation, etc. 

Email at walk@jjtiziou.net or leave a voicemail at (267) 702-5464 and let us know what kind of help you need; we’ll do our best to support you as we’re able. Be sure to include which days/segments you’d like to attend.

If we aren’t able to offer you a stipend on this iteration of the walk, we’ll keep you on a list for next time around!

You are welcome to bring a friend or two. Please register each participant individually.

The registration system allows you to register up to 3 individuals in one signup; this is intentional to encourage mixed groups that will allow new connections amongst participants. 

If you are interested in bringing a larger group, please reach out to walk@jjtiziou.net about becoming a walk sponsor or organizing a Walk Around Philadelphia retreat. But if you’d just like to bring a group of four, two of you can each register two participants. 

Barring unforeseen needs for adjustment such as a change in SEPTA schedules, the start-times are precise, so please plan to arrive early at the starting location so as to not keep the group waiting. Please check email the night before or morning-of in case the start time needs to be changed. 

Each segment’s duration varies depending on conditions encountered and choices made by the group, so any published time/distance estimates to potential pickup points are just that: estimates. 

We highly recommend that you pad your time estimates / keep your day open-ended as best you can so that you can be fully present with the experience & your fellow walkers without worrying about having to rush off to the next thing.

That’s ok – life happens.

Please use the cancellation link in your original registration confirmation email and give us as much notice as possible so that we might make your slot available to someone else if your segment was at capacity. 

At this time we do not offer refunds; we do not have the capacity to absorb the additional processing fees and administrative work associated with this. Your contribution to the walk will be applied to the stipend fund for future participants.

If you would like to change or transfer your registration, please email walk@jjtiziou.net with at least 1 week’s notice. 

Joining late is not an option; please be on-time for your group’s start. 

As to leaving the walk early, that’s fine – the goal is not to get to a “finish line” but rather to explore the perimeter line with curiosity and care; you’re welcome to leave the walk whenever your schedule or bodily needs require it. 

Please just make sure to check in along the way and make sure that the group knows that you’re planning on peeling off (both so that we can bid you farewell, and so that we’re not worried about you having suddenly disappeared!)

We’ll be mostly outside, which is pretty covid-safe. 

Part of our duty to our fellow walkers is to look out for each other. To that end, I strongly prefer folks to be vaccinated against covid-19, and please bow out if you are experiencing any symptoms of anything that might be contagious. 

That said, we will not be checking vaccination cards or test results, and are open to non-vaccinated folk joining the walk. Please bring mask with you and be open to other participants’ requests about masks and distancing.

That’s fine.

The perimeter is big enough to hold all of your feelings, and all ways of being are welcome into this experience. You don’t need to put on a fake smile for the sake of your fellow walkers; come as you are. 

Walking can be a helpful way to process challenging emotions, and you might feel a bit better by the end of the day. 

One of our perimeter walkers has a tattoo that reads “solvitur ambulando” – Latin for “It is solved by walking”

Participating in the walk involves encountering (and collaborating with) strangers, so it’s perfectly normal that the experience might involve individuals that challenge you.

This is an opportunity to cultivate patience and curiosity.  

Remember that one of our guidelines is to treat everything and everyone that we encounter with respect.

That includes the person whose temperament or political/religious/social views might conflict with yours.

Common (but often less-helpful) ways to respond might be to respond to such a situation with judgment or debate, or to close-off and avoid interaction around contentious topics.

Can you instead find that third way where you stay steady, accepting the person as they are, finding ways to voice your own questions or discomfort without attacking them?

Can you be grounded and open, engaging with this person with the same warmth, openness and curiosity that we strive to bring to our entire exploration of the city?

Yes. Everyone participating in one of the Walk Around Philadelphia organized walks must sign a release form. 

Alongside a spot for emergency contact info, the form has three bits of legalese which basically say that:

  • You’re participating at your own risk & will not sue us
  • You’re ok with being included in project documentation
  • You’re ok with us using any documentation/media that you share with us for telling the story of the project

We will generally ask you to sign another waiver, even if you’ve completed one earlier; this is helpful for having your emergency contact information easily accessible, just in case. 

Almost. The walk is a rain or shine kind of thing, with intimidating weather forecasts sometimes leading to some of the spectacular experiences. Please make sure that you are appropriately equipped for the day’s forecast.

Remember the proverb:
“There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”

That said, if there’s extreme weather that might pose significant safety concerns, we may cancel/postpone a segment, so keep an eye out for last minute updates.

Some segments of the perimeter have more food access options than others. It’s encouraged to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and enough water to get you through the day. Nuts & dried fruit are great fuel for the road. 

Restaurants can be great places for breaks, battery charging, etc if the opportunity arises and suits the entire group, but it’s best not to count on them.

We will of course take breaks!

In fact, any participant can call a break anytime that they need it.

The perimeter itself has inherent physical accessibility issues, but there are many potential paths to approach it, with different segments having varying degrees of accessibility challenges. 

The walk offers options for participants who only want to walk a half day or a few miles, with different segments having varying frequency of access to public transportation or ease of rideshare pickup. Future iterations of the walk may have additional accessibility resources. 

For most of our walks, a sustained pace of ~2 miles per hour is expected with breaks.
(For comparison, Google Maps estimates a ~2.8 mph pace for walking directions)
Please get in touch with us via email at walk@jjtiziou.net or leave a voicemail at (267) 702-5464 if you have any specific questions or concerns about accessibility needs.

Bathroom access varies around the perimeter.

The Where2Go bathroom-finder app might be helpful. Due to the pandemic, some establishments’ restrooms may not be accessible. Pack a small roll of toilet paper, just in case. 

If you haven’t yet tried it, the internet has answers to the question “how to poop in the woods?” 

(The small inconveniences we might encounter in a day’s walk can be a helpful reminder of the burdens borne by our most vulnerable neighbors for whom access to public restrooms is rare and for whom tending to basic biological needs in public is often criminalized.) 

No. Think of this less as a guided tour and more of an adventure trek.

Walkers are provided with a map of the city’s border and use the walk guidelines to choose their path around the city’s edge.

Participants with prior knowledge of the perimeter may on occasion share insights from their experience, but each group collectively decides its own path. 

Each time is different, and collaborative wayfinding is an important part of the experience.

(Don’t worry – you’re never far from the city since you’re on its edge!)

  • Everyone has different assessments of risk and safety. Pick what feels safe for you, and don’t feel pressured to go somewhere that feels unsafe because another member of your group wants to or because some other group might have gone there.
  • Release any ideas of a way where the group “should” go and instead defer to the consensus choice to make sure that everyone in your group feels safe. Don’t worry, that other path will still be there for you to explore on another day. 
  • You are undertaking this exploration in public space at your own risk with all of the risks associated with walking out in the world; plan accordingly and have your emergency contacts written down on a card in your pocket.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Each group should include a minimum of four participants for safety’s sake so that if one person is in distress, someone can stay with them while others go for help.
  • One of the guidelines for the walk is to prioritize safety. If there’s a place that doesn’t feel safe to you, don’t go there! You always have the option to turn back and/or go around.
  • Some hazards might include road crossings without pedestrian passages, railroad tracks, ditches (sometimes water-filled), areas without sidewalks, active construction sites, etc. These are the types of hazards that you should go around if you can’t find a safe way through.
  • Other hazards might include tripping hazards, flying golf balls, bees, brambles, poison ivy, ticks and more. These are the kind of hazards that you have to keep an eye out for in the moment.

In this type of urban exploration, it’s possible to accidentally end up on unmarked private property. 

Prioritize safety, obey the law at all times, and explore with a spirit of curiosity & goodwill. 

If a police officer, site-worker, or other neighbor challenges you or asks you what you’re up to, stop and take a breath. Breathe through any worry and defensiveness, and you’ll be ok! 

Respond with calm friendliness & first ask them how they’re doing and how often they encounter pedestrians walking through the area. 

Then you can tell them about your adventure and ask for their help in circumnavigating the city safely. They may offer to escort you off the property, in which case you can thank them for their service, and invite them to join a future iteration of the walk.

The group walk segments are planned to be doable at a leisurely pace. That said, any number of things can result in a group covering less ground than anticipated. (It is not uncommon to encounter unforeseen obstacles, or exciting discoveries that cause delays as they are explored in greater depth)

The group will ascertain their progress as they go, and decide collectively where/how they want to end their walking day and head home. There’s no wrong way to do it.

Every start point has different transportation logistics, depending on where you’re coming from. End points are not guaranteed, and groups sometimes navigate themselves in surprising directions. 

We encourage you to use public transportation as much as possible. This helps set you up for flexibility, and is a part of exploring our city. 

Google Maps and SEPTA both have trip planning features. 

You may also find along the way that a fellow walker is heading in the same direction as you after the walk, and you might be able to share a ride together.

Registered participants are provided a detailed packing list, but everything on it is a suggestion, and you can basically bring whatever you’d like (except for your dog – see below)

Try to balance being prepared for eventualities without being too burdened by a heavy pack. This is one part adventure trek, one part walk in the park, one part stroll in the city.

With seasonally appropriate clothing, a water bottle and some comfortable shoes, you’re already off to a good start.

The experience is recommended for ages 13 & up.

If you think that your children would enjoy the walk, we’d love to walk with them!

Minors must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians and should be registered individually.

Sorry but please don’t bring any four-legged friends along on the organized group walks. 

No matter how amazing and well behaved your pup is, another dog might not get along with yours.

Some other participants may have canine-phobias, and there are segments where having a dog along might complicate logistics or route options. 

You may well discover parts of the city that you want to bring your pup back to though!

You’re obviously welcome to set out to walk wherever you’d like whenever you’d like. 

We invite you to register for the DIY option to get support resources and join the community. 

If you set out to do the perimeter walk on your own, we encourage you to follow the guidelines, take reasonable care and safety precautions. 

Make sure to get on the mailing list and join us for future events (both virtual and in-person) to share your experiences and connect with the growing community of perimeter-walkers.

It’s a great privilege to be able to undertake the walk; we are working to make this unique experience of the city more accessible, equitable and inclusive for others who might not otherwise be able to do it on their own. 

Any support that you’re able to offer is greatly appreciated. Please consider making a financial contribution, helping with community outreach, and participating in walk events as you’re able!

We also hope that you’ll take time to share any documentation or reflections on your experience with us – we’d like to highlight DIY journeys in our blog and gallery exhibits.

Some participants develop new friendships during the walk, and find themselves wanting to reconnect with their fellow walkers. The easiest thing to do is trade contact information before you part ways. 

Closing events, exhibit happy hours, and Edge Events are great places to reconnect with the community. 

Check out upcoming events:
http://www.jjtiziou.net/events/upcoming

Yes please! 

Trail Angels intercept groups of walkers partway through their journey to provide surprise snacks & encouragement. 

This is a really sweet experience and also requires some patience and self navigating, as the walkers adjust in real time. 
Reach out to us at walk@jjtiziou.net if you’re interested!

Yes! They are currently available in standard Gildan sizes while supplies last:

  • Youth Small / Medium / Large
  • ‘Regular’ Small / Medium / Large / XL / XXL
  • ‘Ladies’ Small / Medium / Large / XL / XXL – slightly smaller & fitted

The shirts are available for a suggested donation of $35; proceeds help support the project’s accessibility initiatives & continued growth. 

They are available for porch pickup near 45th & Osage in W. Philadelphia, or shipped anywhere in the continental US for +$5. Venmo @jjtiziou & text 267-702-5464 to coordinate pickup. 

You can also pick one up in person at the Oct 1 reportback event at Cherry Street Pier.

Hey thanks! That’d be great! 

You can help the walk’s next steps by…

Drop us a line at walk@jjtiziou.net or by leaving a voicemail at (267) 702-5464 and we’ll do our best to answer it!

Thank you for being patient with our response; the walk is an ambitious undertaking with limited administrative capacity.