Participants who completed last season’s first Trail Challenge in the Metroparks will pick up their reward – hiking sticks – Thursday during an open house celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ward Pavilion at Wildwood Preserve.

The first annual program started last June and asked people to pledge to hike 50, 100 or 150 miles on Metroparks trails in one year. Of the 660 people who accepted the Trail Challenge, 271 achieved their individual goals and turned in their completed forms.

Altogether, participants hiked 40,176 miles in the last year. Mike Bonnar led the group by racking up 1,925 miles. He said he already has more than 285 miles completed toward his goal of reaching 2,000 miles in the current season’s Trail Challenge.

Second Annual Trail Challenge Now Underway 

This year, participants have the option of hiking or paddling in Metroparks waters or from Metroparks Maumee river accesses. (One hour of paddling a kayak or canoe equals 3 miles.)

Details about this year’s second annual Trail Challenge 

Hikers Respond

Metroparks asked the 293 program participants who joined a Trail Challenge Facebook group about their experiences and motivations for participating. Here are some of their replies:

“This challenge inspired me to quit smoking. I have been 110 percent nicotine free for seven weeks now!” – William Chevalier

“I just wanted to get into the parks more since I was not working at the time. It was a complete tipping point. I am now a VTP [Volunteer Trail Patrol member], volunteering at the photography center at Secor and just completed the wildflower walks with the Carrs. I love all the Metroparks thanks to Kim High’s walks as well. Can’t wait get all my friends involved with next year’s.” – Kristi Kunkel-Shepler

“I signed up because I wanted to explore more parks and get healthier by moving more. The more exciting thing I learned was that I set my whole attitude in a positive direction just by getting in touch with nature and breathing fresh air.” – Stephanie Rizzo

“I need to exercise but I don’t like to if the weather isn’t nice. I knew I would have to walk through the winter to make 100 miles. With the Challenge encouraging me, I learned that I can walk 150 miles, and even in the cold.” – Ann Aliver Niner

“I50 miles bit the dust today. Super proud of myself.” – Jeanne Grundy

“We feel blessed and so appreciative of the Metroparks. Let’s hear it for a great program!” – Ronald Ferenchak

“100.29! Done. Good luck to everyone. See you at the stick party!”