Best of the West
Best of the West is a trail running and running race on September 19, 2026 in Ravenna, OH, with entry fees from $40 to $85.
- Date
- September 19, 2026 (58 days to go)
- Price
- $40–$85
- Sports
- Trail RunningRunning
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
City 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.
58
Days to train
- Race
- Best of the West
- Date
- September 19, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Trail Running
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Trail Running races near Ravenna, OH
Burning River
Marathon · 50 Mile · 100 Mile · From $80 · Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls
13 miles away
Down & Dirty
8K / 5 Mile · 10 Mile · From $35 · Oak Hill Trail Head
16 miles away
Leave No Trace
5K · 15K · Half Marathon · From $30 · Camp Manatoc
16 miles away
Fall Running Series
5K · 4 Mile · From $30 · Various locations in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
16 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Ravenna than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to RavennaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Best of the West
Sep 19, 2026