Best of the West
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Best of the West
Best of the West takes place on 09/18/2027 at West Branch State Park Beach on Marina Drive in Ravenna, OH. The event offers trail race distances that include:
- 26.2 Miles marathon, trail race, registration fee $85.00
- 13.1 Miles half marathon, trail race, registration fee $70.00
- 10K trail race, registration fee $45.00
Registration opens 10/23/2026 and closes 08/18/2027.
The event celebrates a new Buckeye Trail section at West Branch State Park. That Buckeye Trail section has been designated a State Trail by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and is the third trail to receive this recognition. West Branch State Park is predominantly forested with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, primarily oak-hickory. The forest supports wildlife such as deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, pheasant, and songbirds. The dense canopy provides shade and cooler temperatures during warmer months.
Course details are entirely on trail. Marathoners follow the eastern end of the lake, cross the dam, continue to the entrance to the campground, and return to the beach. Half marathoners finish at the turnaround and are transported by shuttle back to the finish area at the beach. 10K participants complete an all-trail out-and-back route from the beach to the dam and back. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
