Senator Sean Ryan Presents Senate Commendation Award To Founder Of Western New York Hiking Challenge

SENATOR SEAN RYAN PRESENTS SENATE COMMENDATION AWARD TO FOUNDER OF WESTERN NEW YORK HIKING CHALLENGE

Hamburg Native Mike Radomski Has Raised More Than $100,000 For Local Environmental Groups Since Creating Hiking Challenge In 2019

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Today, August 18, 2021, New York State Senator Sean Ryan presented a New York State Senate Commendation Award to Mike Radomski, founder of the Western New York Hiking Challenge, for his work to raise money for local environmental groups and promote healthy outdoor recreation in Western New York. The New York State Senate Commendation Award recognizes “exceptional individuals who have made a dedicated and lasting contribution to their community.”

Radomski created the Western New York Hiking Challenge in 2019 to motivate people to explore some of Western New York’s many hiking trails, and drew 350 participants for its inaugural winter session. The challenge has continued to grow, and in 2021, the Summer Hiking Challenge has already drawn more than 5,000 participants. Since its inception, the challenge has raised more than $100,000 for local organizations, including the Western New York Land Conservancy and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

Along with his wife, Stephanie, Radomski operates Outside Chronicles, a website devoted to outdoor adventures in Western New York. In 2020, they created the Hike WNY Facebook group to bring together local hiking enthusiasts and provide educational materials for novice hikers. In just a single year, the group has grown to become a community of more than 30,000 members who share their experiences from trails throughout the region.

The ongoing 2021 Western New York Summer Hiking Challenge features 34 local trails to choose from and runs from March to November. To complete the challenge, participants must complete a total of 20 trails during the challenge period. The upcoming Winter Hiking Challenge runs from December to March, and features 14 trails. To register for either challenge, visit OutsideChronicles.com/challenges.

Senator Ryan has previously worked to promote outdoor recreation by supporting the creation of the Empire State Trail. The 750-mile, multi-use trail is the longest of its kind in the nation, connecting Buffalo to New York City through Albany. Funded primarily by $200 million in state capital, the trail provides a safe, welcoming setting for more than 10 million bicyclists, walkers, runners, and hikers each year.

Senator Sean Ryan said, “I’m proud to present this award to Mike for the amazing work he has done for environmental groups and the outdoor recreation community in Western New York. Through Outside Chronicles and the Western New York Hiking Challenge, he has brought awareness and much-needed funding to local environmental organizations. His efforts have encouraged thousands of people to get out, get active, and explore the beautiful trails our region has to offer. I encourage everyone in Western New York to join the challenge this year and see the sights in some of our many scenic parks.”

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