Best of the West
Best of the West half marathon celebrates a new Buckeye Trail section within a forested state park.
Race Date
Sep 19, 2026
Location
Ravenna, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Location
- Ravenna, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 10K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 452
Highlights
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Best of the West half marathon winds through the predominantly forested West Branch State Park in Ravenna, Ohio. This race, now in its third year, offers a unique opportunity to explore a newly designated section of the Buckeye Trail, recognized for its ecological significance and diverse wildlife habitats.
The half marathon course utilizes a portion of the park's scenic lakefront, crossing the dam and heading towards the campground before turning back. Runners can expect a shaded route thanks to the dense canopy of oak-hickory trees, providing a cool environment even in warmer months. The race typically sees around 257 finishers, with about 27% returning year after year, indicating a loyal following.
While the half marathon course has a turnaround point, the overall experience is enhanced by the natural beauty of the park. The event concludes with a finish party at the beach, offering a festive atmosphere to celebrate the accomplishment.
Race-provided description
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Giveaway
Start Location
West Branch State Park Beach, Ravenna, OH, 44266
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Forest, Lake River
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick493 years running
~257 finishers a year
shrinking
27% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 6 states
winner 1:32:53
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
78°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 452 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
452
Median time
2:39:38
Latest turnout
138
States
14
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Best of the West?
The Best of the West is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Best of the West take place?
It takes place in Ravenna, Ohio.
What distances does the Best of the West offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 10K.
Is the Best of the West course flat and good for a PR?
The Best of the West is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
How many people run the Best of the West?
HalfRuns has finish records for 452 runners who have completed the Best of the West.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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