Best of the West
- Date
- September 19, 2026
- Distance
- Best of the West Marathon · Best of the West Half Marathon · Best of the West 10k
From the Organizer
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
74°
Typical Low
50°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ravenna 2 S, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Ravenna, OH
Population
11,286
as of 2023
Elevation
1,136 ft
Nearest Airport
CAK
Akron Canton Regional Airport · 20 mi
Major Hub
CLE
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport · 36 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Best of the West, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
103
Days to train
- Race
- Best of the West
- Date
- September 19, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Ravenna, OH
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Best of the West?
- Best of the West is a running race held in Ravenna, Ohio on September 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Best of the West?
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Ravenna, Ohio at West Branch State Park Beach, Ravenna, OH. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Best of the West?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Best of the West
Sep 19, 2026