The novel’s 16-year-old protagonist, Ray Garraty, is the only Walker from the state of Maine, which earns him the support of many spectators because most of the Walk takes place in his home state. He’s from the small town of Pownal, and some of the “city boys” call him a “hick.” As the boys evaluate each other’s appearances, they decide that Garraty is tall enough to be a contender, but Garraty worries that he’s at a disadvantage because he isn’t a serious athlete like some of his competitors.

Garraty’s father was a political dissident who was taken by the Squads because he openly criticized the Major and the Walk. Consequently, Garraty’s mother discouraged Garraty from competing and fears for his safety. Garraty’s girlfriend, Jan, also discouraged him from joining the Walk, but he was determined to compete. For most of the Walk, Garraty is buoyed by the thought of seeing his mother and Jan in Freeport.

Generally well-liked by the other boys, Garraty becomes part of a group of Walkers, joining McVries, Baker, Abraham, Pearson, and Scramm. He doesn’t get along with Stebbins and Barkovitch, both of whom think forming alliances makes one a poor competitor. Like many of the boys, Garraty struggles to separate his expectations of the Walk from the reality of it.