Empire State Trail Virtual Challenge presented by the Boilermaker

In 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the Empire State Trail to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality, and bolster tourism-related economic development. It is now complete! The Trail showcases New York’s special places, diverse history, and iconic landscapes.

The Trail welcomes bicyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities to experience the Empire State’s urban centers, village main streets, rural communities, and diverse history, from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.

Click here to visit the trail website. 

COVID-19 Advisory – While the Empire State Trail is open walking, running and bicycling, New York State has issued public health guidance for trail visitors. LEARN MORE

The Empire State Trail Challenge is a partnership between the Boilermaker, organizers of the world-famous 15K race in Utica, and New York State Parks.

Live events will come back and maybe soon…Stay ready, fit and motivated by *virtually* running, walking, biking or hiking across New York State on the brand-new Empire State Trail. This is a virtual challenge and miles can be logged in any location from the actual trail itself to the treadmill or stationary bike in your basement or gym – your challenge your choice. *$25 to for any 1 leg and only $5 to register for any additional legs (at initial registration or later on). 

However and wherever you compile your mileage, simply report your progress back through the event website and watch your digital avatar travel along your chosen leg of the Empire State Trail. You can participate solo or join a team and see how you stack up against other active enthusiasts across the Empire State, country and world! 

Simple as run, bike, walk or hike!

The Empire State Trail Challenge breaks up the newly completed Empire State Trail into three separate legs/events: Hudson Valley Greenway Trail (NYC-Albany), the Champlain Valley Trail (Albany-Canada) and the Erie Canalway Trail (Buffalo-Albany). Your challenge, your choice – register for 1, 2 or all 3 legs and tackle them however you would like. Run, walk, hike or bike your miles whenever and wherever you'd like during the life of the challenge. Challenge runs from April 9th - August 1st. Register anytime between April 6 and July 5th.

Simply keep track of your mileage throughout the life of the challenge and submit your progress through your RunSignUp profile on a regular basis - we suggest after each outing. Time and elevation gain submission are completely optional.  

Challengers have access to a live, interactive map and leaderboard displaying your progress, along with that of your fellow challengers. You may participate as an individual or join/create a team for no extra cost – no need to choose, you can do both!

Challengers will automatically receive a lightweight, comfortable poly blend t-shirt upon registering for any one of the 3 legs of the Empire State Trail Challenge. *Note that participants have the ability to register for additional legs for just $5 BUT will not receive additional shirts unless they register for additional legs at full price. 

In addition to the shirt giveaway, challengers have the option to purchase race add-ons during registration or later on. Add-ons include an Empire State Trail Challenge medal and/or athletic headband. Free, custom finisher’s certificates will be made available at the conclusion of the challenge. All challengers receive access to the challenge digital dashboard including a live map displaying your progress along the trail as well as that of other challengers. You will also be invited to participate in a private Facebook group to share your Empire State Trail progress and experiences with a supportive group of like-minded individuals.  

Erie Canalway Trail: The longest section of the Empire State Trail at 350 miles, the Erie Canalway leg runs approximately between Buffalo and Albany.

Hudson Valley Greenway Trail: At 210 miles long, the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail runs roughly between New York City and Albany. It is the middle distance of the three legs of the Empire State Trail.

Champlain Valley Trail: The shortest of the three legs of the Empire State Trail at 190 miles, the Champlain Valley Trail runs approximately between Albany and the New York/Canada border near Rouses Point.

CLICK HERE to check out the full Empire State Trail map as well as points of interest. 

Grab your friends, family, coworkers or neighbors and squad up. See how your team stacks up against others from around the world - just for fun! It's free to create or join a team and won't affect your individual results. 

CLICK HERE to join or create a team.