Buckeye Ultra 200 Mile Road Race

Event overview

The Buckeye Ultra is an approximately 203 mile road run held in August, running from Walnut Beach at Lake Erie to Wellsville, OH, near the Ohio-West Virginia border. The event also offers a 100 mile option. The 203 mile distance has a six day time limit; the 100 mile option has a 72 hour cutoff. Registration for the 2026 edition is final; there are no refunds, deferrals, or transfers.

Course and logistics

The route is an out-and-back that largely follows Ohio Route 45. Terrain includes lakefront streets, mountain foothills, post-industrial towns, and Amish country. Total climb is just under 6,000 ft, with about 70 miles of rolling hills and long flat segments elsewhere. Minor course changes may be made, with a final map provided before the event.

Crews are encouraged in sections with limited resources but are not required; many runners choose to run self-supported. There are no official aid stations on the open road course, so runners must obtain supplies via crew, local businesses, or self-support. Runners who cannot complete the course must arrange their own return. Several towns with hotels are located along the course, including Austinburg, Warren, Salem, and Lisbon.

Awards and records

Finishers receive a large Buckeye 200 buckle, a unique finisher's award, and additional items. A separate "500 Lifetime Miles" buckle is awarded to those who complete 500 official miles on the Buckeye course. Official finishes only count toward that award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.