The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has launched the Canalway Challenge to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial. The free program encourages people to set a personal mileage goal and walk, run, cycle, paddle or roll along the NYS Canal System.

Participants can choose from a range of mileage options, including 1st Mile for people with disabilities, 15, 90, 180, 360 or 200 miles for 200 years of the Erie Canal.

“The Canalway Challenge invites people to discover all there is to see, learn and do along this historic waterway,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

All finishers will receive a certificate, mileage sticker, magnet and a commemorative patch.

“Our goal is to make the Erie Canal corridor a place where everyone feels welcome, and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to come for a visit," New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said.

Registration opens May 1 and will continue through the end of October.

The NYS Canal System opens for the season on May 16.