While the exact location isn't explicitly stated, there are hints that point to a post-apocalyptic or totalitarian America:
* The Walk: The annual event, where boys race until only one survives, is central to the story and suggests a twisted, brutal society.
* The Judges: The authority figures who enforce the rules of the Walk and maintain order seem authoritarian.
* The Political Landscape: The story hints at a possible war or societal collapse, with mentions of “the old country” and the "enemy."
* Cultural References: The story uses references to American culture and traditions, like the Walk's name and some of the dialogue, but with a dark twist.
Overall, the story's setting is a heavily controlled and oppressive society that serves as a backdrop for the Walk's cruel reality. The ambiguity of the exact location creates a sense of universality and allows the reader to imagine the story happening anywhere in the world.