The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor celebrates the seasonal opening of the canal system on Friday, May 17 by inviting everyone to start “Tracing History and Tracking Miles” in the 2024 Canalway Challenge.

The free program welcomes people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and then walk, run, cycle or paddle along the New York State Canal System to reach it and receive recognition and rewards for their accomplishment.

Participants can choose from a range of mileage options, including 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles. There is also a 1st Mile Challenge open to people with mobility challenges.

“The Canalway Challenge combines fitness and fun and offers perfect motivation for people to get outside and explore the canal,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Participants repeatedly tell us how much they discover while logging miles.

“From historic sites to beautiful scenery, from regional specialty foods and beverages to charming canal communities, every mile delivers something special,” he added.

Now in its 6th year, the Canalway Challenge has welcomed participants from 30 U.S. states and four countries who have, to date, logged 1.6 million miles along New York’s canals and the Canalway Trail.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we prepare for the upcoming canal season, we are thrilled to continue our support of the Canalway Challenge. This innovative and popular program is designed to encourage people with and without disabilities to get outside on our canals and the Canalway Trail for exploration and recreation. We look forward to seeing visitors, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the water and the trail as they set out on fun-filled adventures along the state’s historic and vibrant Canal System.”

Registration is open to individuals, organizations and teams. People can complete the Challenge in one big trip or many small ones from May 1 through the end of October. Upon completion, participants receive a mileage sticker, magnet and set of four commemorative postcards.

Visit YouTube at https://youtu.be/5FHm28f791o to get inspired. Sign up and get more information at www.canalwaychallenge.com.

JOIN THE 2024 CHALLENGE! – The 2024 Canalway Challenge began on May 1 and runs through the end of October. Participants choose a personal mileage goal and log miles by walking, running, cycling or paddling along the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail to achieve recognition and rewards. Pictured are members of the team called “Skanarado Challenge,” 180-milers from Denver, CO during a past challenge. Visit YouTube at https://youtu.be/5FHm28f791o to get inspired and learn more at www.canalwaychallenge.com.

About The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor:

Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves New York’s extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. For more information, visit http://www.eriecanalway.org/.