Contributed by Jean Mackay, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
The Canalway Challenge celebrated its fifth year in 2023, with participants from 30 US states and Canada topping 1.6 million miles walked, run, cycled, and paddled. That translates into a lot of fitness, fun, and exploration on the Canalway Trail and waterway, as well as an estimated $4 million in economic impact. Still, it’s the inspiring stories of personal milestones achieved that really define the program’s success: connections made with family, friends, and strangers; challenges overcome; goals achieved; and lifetime memories made.
“I grew up in the Herkimer, NY area and had never realized the extent and beauty of the Canalway. I returned from my home in WV to complete the challenge with my daughter and 11-year-old grandson. We completed the challenge as scheduled and met many wonderful people along the way.” – Douglas Boyer, 360 End-to-ender, Morgantown, WV
Great recreation, learning canal history, and visiting canal towns and villages are frequently sited highlights of the Challenge. But the highpoint for many in 2023 was the people. Canal town residents, tour guides, volunteers, and fellow cyclists, walkers, and kayakers all made an impression.
“Our favorite memory was the people. We were grateful recipients of potato chips, apples, Chamois Butt’r and other snacks from various people.” – Lynn Lary, 360 End-to-Ender, Eugene, OR
“This was such a special ride! So much fun learning the history of the canal along the trail. Absolutely 10/10 would recommend. Very grateful for the opportunity and all the hard work of the people who made this possible! – Elizabeth Lee and the Skanardo Challenge Team, 180 Milers, Denver, CO
Participants also valued quality time spent with fellow teammates and travelers. Of the 1,754 challenges created in 2023, 232 were teams and 27 were organizational challenges that enabled participants to enjoy the benefits of recreating together and having a shared goal.
“We loved attending the towpath day at the Erie Canal Park in Camillus, as well as hiking and meeting many new people that were working on the challenge!” – Kimberly Stanton & Pack 208, 15 Milers, Liverpool, NY
“Best family reunion ever!” – Kenneth Foster and Foster Family Reunion Ride, 360 End-to-Enders, Rochester, NY
The Canalway Challenge will be back in 2024 with a FEBRUARY 15 winter challenge and multi-mile challenge kicking off in the spring. If you exercise inside but miss the trail in the colder months, try Erie Canalway’s virtual miles– 15 Peloton-style videos filmed on the Erie Canalway Trail and Onondaga Creekwalk in Syracuse. Join the fun in 2024!
www.canalwaychallenge.org
Canalway Trail Times 