LOCKPORT, N.Y. — The Canalway Challenge, an annual event that encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors along New York’s canals and Canalway Trails, is underway.
The challenge is all about tracking your miles and tracing your history along the 524-mile New York State canal system and the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, whether it's by running, walking, paddling, biking or hiking.
Across the state, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor wants people to walk, run, cycle, roll, or paddle to reach goals of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles. There is also a 1st Mile Challenge for people with disabilities.
The 16th annual Erie Canalway photo contest is also underway, and the winning pictures will be featured in the 2022 Erie Canalway calendar.
Entries should convey the unique character of New York's canals and canal communities. Pictures will be judged in four categories: on the water, along the trail, canal communities, and classic canal.
If you want to submit a picture, make sure it is horizontal, and you must do so by August 27.
"As New York begins to open more, the Canalway Challenge is a great way for people to get outside and discover all they can do along the canals and Canalway Trail," according to Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
"The range of mileage options is suited to people of all ages and abilities, from those who are just taking their first steps toward fitness to more experienced athletes."
The Canalway Challenge is free, and registration is open online. The event runs through October.
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