More About Best of the West Western Reserve Racing
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
West Branch State Park Beach
Trail Marathon | Half Marathon | 10k
Part of the Ohio Endurance Series – Hikers welcome in the Half Marathon and 10k!
DESCRIPTION
NEW 10k for 2026 – Details coming soon!
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.
COURSE
The Marathon is an out and back. The Half Marathon is a point to point. All participants start together, and 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). 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.
SWAG
Triblend Tee with Best of the West logo and a Finisher Medal
2025 Best of the West Swag
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
OHIO ENDURANCE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
OES Trading Card 2025Participate 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. Awards will be given for the Top 5 Overall, Top 1 Masters, Top 1 Grand Master.
2025 Series Results
2024 Series Results
2023 Series Results
REGISTRATION
EARLY (through 8/19)
Marathon – $85
Half Marathon – $70*
10k – $40
REGULAR (8/20 – 9/8)
Marathon – $95
Half Marathon – $80*
10k – $40
LATE (9/9 – 9/19)
Marathon – $100
Half Marathon – $85*
10k – $45
*Includes shuttle from finish back to the beach
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
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
West Branch State Park Beach
Trail Marathon | Half Marathon | 10k
Part of the Ohio Endurance Series – Hikers welcome in the Half Marathon and 10k!
DESCRIPTION
NEW 10k for 2026 – Details coming soon!
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.
COURSE
The Marathon is an out and back. The Half Marathon is a point to point. All participants start together, and 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). 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.
SWAG
Triblend Tee with Best of the West logo and a Finisher Medal
2025 Best of the West Swag
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
OHIO ENDURANCE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
OES Trading Card 2025Participate 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. Awards will be given for the Top 5 Overall, Top 1 Masters, Top 1 Grand Master.
2025 Series Results
2024 Series Results
2023 Series Results
REGISTRATION
EARLY (through 8/19)
Marathon – $85
Half Marathon – $70*
10k – $40
REGULAR (8/20 – 9/8)
Marathon – $95
Half Marathon – $80*
10k – $40
LATE (9/9 – 9/19)
Marathon – $100
Half Marathon – $85*
10k – $45
*Includes shuttle from finish back to the beach
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
Date & Time
September 19, 2026
8:00am - 4:00pm
Location
West Branch State Pk
5570 Esworthy Rd
Ravenna, OH 44266
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