Press & Media

The Walk Across Rhode Island is a 30.54-mile west-to-east trek across the state that seeks to foster a uniquely New England outdoor tradition while raising money for charitable causes. Student organizers have announced Sunday, October 11th, 2026 as the date for this year's walk, the organization's 5th traverse of the state.

This year's edition holds particular significance. The walk will honor and fundraise for gun violence prevention following the loss of two peers in the December 13th, 2025 shooting at Brown University.

The event has historically brought together students from across New England to span the width of Rhode Island in one day. In 2025 the walk drew 170 participants, including students from Brown, MIT, Boston University, and Harvard, and raised $4,796 for GiveWell's Top Charities. Many walkers had never before undertaken such a lengthy journey.

Organizers are planning to draw upwards of 500 walkers this year by building on increased publicity from previous editions and a strengthened sense of solidarity among the Brown and Rhode Island communities. Organizers are also seeking to expand the walk's presence outside of university circles and draw a larger base of participation from Rhode Island and New England residents.

The Walk Across Rhode Island is an independent, student-led grassroots initiative organized by local university students. Founded in 2022 by four high school friends as a joke turned fundraiser, the now-annual 30.54-mile trek mobilizes youth across New England to get outside and raise money for an important cause.