Best of the West

Event overview

Best of the West takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at West Branch State Park Beach in Ravenna, Ohio (GPS 41.1369617881758, -81.103947576689). The event is part of the Ohio Endurance Series and celebrates a newly designated Buckeye Trail section at West Branch State Park. The Buckeye Trail section was designated a State Trail by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and is noted as the third trail to receive this recognition.

Distances and entry

• Marathon - $85; 8 hour cutoff; hikers welcome.
• Half Marathon - $70; 5 hour cutoff; finishes at the marathon turnaround and uses a shuttle back to the start.
• 10k - 10k; $40; new distance for 2026; out-and-back trail between the beach and the dam. Registration for the 10k closes on August 19, 2026 and re-opens on August 20, 2026.

Course and location

The Marathon is an out-and-back route that goes around the eastern end of the lake, crosses the dam, continues to the campground entrance, and returns to the beach. The Half Marathon is a point-to-point route with participants starting together and finishing at the Marathon turnaround. The course is relatively flat and includes about 790 feet of total ascent over approximately 13 miles.

Other information

Swag includes a triblend tee and a finisher medal. Donations benefit the Crooked River Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association. Awards are given to the top 3 overall male and female finishers and to top 3 male and female in multiple five-year age groups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.