Best of the West

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.

Download the MARATHON Participant Guide

Download the HALF MARATHON Participant Guide

For every participant you refer, you will receive a $5 refund up to the cost of your registration fee (minimum 3 referrals to receive a refund). After your registration is complete, you will be prompted to share your unique referral code with friends via email and social media.

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

• Triblend Tee and Finisher Medal

• 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 Masters, Top 1 Senior Masters

• • 2025 Series Results

• • 2024 Series Results

• • 2023 Series Results

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 benefit the Crooked River Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association.

Awards for each event:

• Top 3 Overall Male and Female

• Top 3 Male and Female in the following 5-year age groups:

  19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 & Over

• Download your Participant Guide HERE

• 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.