Thanks to this virtual challenge, you can run the nation's longest multi-use trail from home

Thanks to this virtual challenge, you can run the nation's longest multi-use trail from home

Whether you're looking for some new inspiration to reignite your exercise drive or have been looking for an excuse to spend more time outside (and TBH, who hasn't?), the latest virtual challenge has your name written all over it. New York State Parks has teamed up with Boilermaker (organizers of the eponymous 15K race in Utica, New York) to bring you—drum roll, please—the Empire State Trail Challenge, a four-month virtual race along the Empire State Trail.

ICYDK, the Empire State Trail is the longest multi-use state trail in the nation, spanning a total of 750 miles from the southern tip of Manhattan to the Canadian border. Although plans for the trail were first announced in 2017, it took nearly four years to complete the project. However, as of December 31, 2020, the Empire State Trail was fully operational and accessible to all. The only problem? The coronavirus pandemic, which continues to inhibit travel and all outdoor adventures despite the latest mask guidelines. But this is where the virtual challenge comes into play, as it allows you to experience the impressive trail regardless of the distance.

The Empire State Trail Challenge, which officially launched April 9, encourages runners, hikers, cyclists and walkers from across the country to compete by tracking and recording miles remotely. While you can definitely cover the miles by following the actual trail IRL (the Empire State Trail website has maps to help you on your adventure), you can also cover the distance by walking around your neighborhood or sweating it out on a treadmill at home. No matter how or where you complete the miles, all you need to do is track and report them regularly on the event website. As you log your progress, you can track your digital avatar's journey along the trail on a map and compare your progress with other challengers.

Don't want to complete all 750 miles? No problem. Participants can also register for one or two legs of the race, including the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail (210 miles from NYC to Albany), the Champlain Valley Trail (190 miles from Albany to Canada) and the Erie Canalway Trail (350 miles). from Buffalo to Albany). And the options don't end there. The Empire State Trail Challenge is truly a “choose your own adventure” race, and the goal is for people to participate (read: get moving) in whatever way works best for them. For example, you can run the entire route or split it between cycling and walking. Additionally, you can complete the route alone or with a team, either by joining an existing team or creating a new team on the challenge website. (

How to recover from a race of any distance

Registration opened on April 6th and closes on July 5th, giving participants a full four months - from April 9th ​​to July 31st - to take part in the challenge. To sign up, simply go to the challenge website with your nearby credit card as you will be required to pay a fee of $25 for one stage and $5 for each subsequent stage. And just like live events and races of the past (#tbt until pre-2020), participants will also receive an Empire State Trail Challenge t-shirt and can earn other race-focused extras like a sports headband or an Empire State Trail Challenge medal. In addition, each participant receives an individual certificate after completing the challenge.

Whether you're biking on your Peloton or jogging through a local park, there are tons of ways to take part in this summer challenge and show your body some love in the process. Happy trails!