September 18, 2027
West Branch State Park, Ohio
Events
Best of the West Marathon
Best of the West Half Marathon
Event 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. 10k participants will complete an all-trail route from the beach to the dam and back.
Swag & Awards
All participants receive
- Super soft Triblend Tee with Best of the West race logo
- Finisher Medal to show off your accomplishment
Awards for Marathon | Half Marathon
- Overall: Top 3 Male and Female
- Age Group: 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
Awards for 10k
- Overall: Top 3 Male and Female
- Age Group: Top 3 Male and Female in the following 5-year age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 & Over
Ohio Endurance Athletes
Ten races. One calendar year. One question: How far can you go?
The Ohio Endurance Series is Western Reserve Racing's long-distance championship. The season opens in January and closes in December, and it spans some of Ohio's best state parks and wildest trail systems — Mohican, Burr Oak, Salt Fork, West Branch, Camp Manatoc, and the Buckeye Trail through Cuyahoga Valley.
This is the long-distance series: 15K is the shortest distance that scores, and the schedule runs all the way up through the marathon, the 50K, and the 8-hour. All of our events are hiker- and walker-friendly, with generous cutoffs and courses built to welcome every pace. Run one event, or chase the whole year and go after Ohio Endurance Athlete of the Year.
About Western Reserve Racing
Western Reserve Racing is dedicated to producing well-organized, welcoming road and trail events throughout Northeast Ohio. From 5Ks to 100-mile endurance events, our goal is to create exceptional experiences for participants of all abilities—including runners, hikers, walkers, first-timers, and seasoned endurance athletes.
Whether you're chasing a new personal best or simply enjoying the journey, we're committed to building an inclusive community and showcasing the best parks, trails, and roads Northeast Ohio has to offer.
Visit www.westernreserveracing.com to explore our full event calendar, official merchandise, and more.
