Sat, September 21, 2024
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 brand 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 brand 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 take a shuttle from the beach to their start line (the marathon turn around point).
COURSE
The marathon is an out and back. The Half Marathon is a point to point. Half Marathon participants will park at the finish and take a shuttle 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 Marathon course map
Click here to view the Half Marathon course map
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
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- The Ohio Endurance Series introduces a cutting-edge packable jacket designed to meet the demands of adventurous athletes! Engineered with water repellency and wind resistance, this ultra-light jacket ensures optimal protection against the elements. The inclusion of a hood that can be tightened adds versatility, allowing athletes to adapt to changing weather conditions on the fly. It is the ideal companion for long-distance races, minimizing weight without compromising on performance. With packability at its core, this jacket conveniently packs into its own pocket. Whether facing rain, wind, or the need for a lightweight layer, this jacket is the ultimate choice for those pushing the boundaries of endurance in the Ohio landscape.
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
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 REGISTRATION (through August 21)
- Marathon – $80
- Half Marathon – $70*
- REGULAR REGISTRATION (August 22 – September 10)
- Marathon – $85
- Half Marathon – $75*
- LATE REGISTRATION (September 11-21)
- Marathon – $90
- Half Marathon – $80*
*Includes shuttle to the start
RACE DAY DETAILS
- MARATHON START TIME:
- 8:00 AM (8 hour cutoff)
- HALF MARATHON START TIMES:
- 8:00 AM (8 hour cutoff) – Shuttle departs at 7:15 A.M.
- 9:00AM (7 hour cutoff) – Shuttle departs at 8:15 A.M.
- 10:00AM (6 hour cutoff) – Shuttle departs at 9:15 A.M.
- Everyone is eligible for age group awards. If you are competing for overall, you must start at 8:00 A.M.
- PARKING: All participants will park at West Branch State Park Beach, Ravenna, OH 44266. There is no physical address (GPS coordinates are: 41.1369617881758, -81.103947576689).
- EARLY PACKET PICKUP: Friday Noon-7:00 P.M. at Vertical Runner Hudson
- RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: 6:00-9:00 A.M.
- AID STATIONS will serve water, pop, sports drink, and a variety of sweet and salty snacks (such as pickles, chips, and cookies). An additional food item will be served at the finish line. Participants are encouraged to carry water.
- Marathon aid stations are located at miles 3.5, 9, 13.1, 17.2, and 22.7; there are additional water-only stops at miles 4.7 and 21.5.
- Half marathon aid stations are located at miles 4 and 9.5; there is an additional water-only stop at mile 8.4.
- DROP BAGS: Marathon participants may leave a drop bag at the start that will be accessible at the turnaround. Mark your bag with your name and bib number and bring it to the start of the race.
MORE INFORMATION
- Best of the West Marathon is part of the Ohio Endurance Series, featuring fully supported trail races of varying distance and difficulty in the best parks throughout Ohio.
