Best of the West

Trail Running in West Branch State Park

Best of the West takes place at West Branch State Park Beach in Ravenna, Ohio. The event features multiple trail distances through a predominantly forested landscape consisting of oak-hickory, deciduous, and coniferous trees. The area serves as a habitat for local wildlife such as deer, foxes, and various songbirds. This event celebrates a newly designated section of the Buckeye Trail.

Participants can choose from three distinct distances:

• Best of the West Marathon
• Best of the West Half Marathon
• Best of the West 10k

The course is described as relatively flat, with approximately 790 feet of total ascent over a 13-mile span. The marathon is an out-and-back route that crosses the dam and reaches the campground entrance before returning to the beach. The half marathon is a point-to-point race where participants start with the marathoners and finish at the turnaround point, with a shuttle providing transportation back to the beach. The 10k follows an all-trail out-and-back route between the beach and the dam.

Finishers receive a triblend tee and a finisher medal. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three in various five-year age groups ranging from 19 and under to 70 and over. This event is part of the Ohio Endurance Series, and donations benefit the Crooked River Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.