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Sat September 19, 2026

Events

Best of the West Marathon

Price: $85
Time: 8:00AM EDT 4:00PM EDT
8 Hour Cutoff
Hikers Welcome

Best of the West Half Marathon

Price: $70
Time: 8:00AM EDT 1:00PM EDT
5 Hour Cutoff
NEW Distance

Best of the West 10k

Price: $40
Time: 9:00AM EDT 11:00AM EDT
Registration closes on August 19, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT and re-opens on August 20, 2026 at 12:00am EDT

Location

West Branch State Park Beach
Marina Drive
Ravenna, OH 44266
GPS coordinates are 41.1369617881758, -81.103947576689

Description

NEW 10k for 2026!
We will be celebrating the new Buckeye Trail section at West Branch State Park. The Buckeye Trail has recently been designated a State Trail by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and is only the third trail to receive this recognition. This new section is the first of more to come! 
West Branch State Park is predominantly forested with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. The forest is primarily oak-hickory and provides habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, pheasant, and songbirds. The dense canopy provides shade and cool temperatures in the warmer months making it perfect for hiking and running. 
Marathoners will make their way around the eastern end of the lake crossing the dam and then continuing to the entrance to the campground before returning back to the beach. Half marathoners will finish at the turnaround and take a shuttle back to the finish party at the beach. 10k participants will complete an all-trail route from the beach to the dam and back.

Swag

  • Triblend Tee and Finisher Medal

Endurance Athletes of the Year

OES Athlete of the Year trading card

  • Participate in 4 events to qualify and have a chance to be an Ohio Endurance Athlete of the Year
  • Qualifiers receive a trading card with your photo and Ohio Endurance Series race stats
  • Series awards given for the Top 5 Overall, Top 1 Masters, Top 1 Grand Master, Top 1 Senior Master

Course

The Marathon is an out and back, and the Half Marathon is a point to point, with participants starting together. Half Marathon participants will finish at the Marathon turnaround and take a shuttle back to the start. The route is relatively flat and contains 790 feet of total ascent (over 13 miles). The 10k is an out and back between the beach and dam. A perfect course for new and experienced runners and hikers. Click here to view the Best of the West course maps.

Donations

Donations benefit the Crooked River Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association.

Awards

Awards for each event:
  • Top 3 Overall Male and Female
  • Top 3 Male and Female in the following 5-year age groups:
    24 & Under, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 & Over 

Race Day Details

  • Download your Participant Guide HERE

More Information

  • Best of the West is part of the Ohio Endurance Series, featuring fully supported trail races of varying distance and difficulty in the best parks throughout Ohio.
  • Visit our website to learn more about Western Reserve Racing and to view our race calendar.

Ohio Endurance Series   Western Reserve Racing

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

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