Saturday, September 20, 2025
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
West Branch State Park Beach
Trail Marathon | Half Marathon
Part of the Ohio Endurance Series – Hikers welcome in the Half Marathon!
DESCRIPTION
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 OPTIONS
Choose one:
- Triblend Tee with Best of the West logo and a Finisher Medal
- OES Ultra-light Packable Rain/Wind Jacket and Finisher Medal – $20 premium
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
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. Awards will be given for the Top 5 Overall, Top 1 Masters, Top 1 Grand Master.
REGISTRATION
- EARLY (through 8/20)
- Marathon – $85
- Half Marathon – $70*
- REGULAR (8/21 – 9/9)
- Marathon – $95
- Half Marathon – $80*
- LATE (9/10 – 9/20)
- Marathon – $100
- Half Marathon – $85*
*Includes shuttle from finish back to the beach
RACE DAY DETAILS
- LOCATION
- West Branch State Park Beach, Marina Drive, Ravenna, OH 44266
- There is no physical address – GPS coordinates are 41.1369617881758, -81.103947576689
- START TIME
- Marathon – 8:00 AM (8 hour cutoff)
- Half Marathon – 8:00 AM (5 1/2 hour cutoff)
- PARKING
- All participants will park at West Branch State Park Beach. Half Marathon participants will take a shuttle from their finish back to the finish party at the beach. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes.
- PACKET PICKUP
- Thursday 9/18: Noon – 7:00 PM at Vertical Runner Hudson
- Friday 9/20: Staff will be setting up for race day; early packet pickup available 5:00-7:00 PM at West Branch State Park Beach
- Race Day: 6:00-8:00 AM
- AID STATION LOCATIONS
- Aid stations located at miles 3.5, 9, 13.1, 17.2, and 22.7
- AID STATION OFFERINGS
- Hydration: TBD
- Salty snacks: TBD
- Sweet snacks: TBD
- Food: TBD
- Participants are encouraged to carry water
- DROP BAGS: All participants may have a drop bag that will be accessible at the Marathon turnaround / Half Marathon finish. Mark your bag with your name and bib number and bring it to the start of the race.
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 throughout Ohio.
