9/20/2025
The Best Of The West Trail Marathon And Half Marathon
Ravenna, Ohio
John Fabianich McClay
Finish Time: 4:26:39
Overall Place: 7th Place / 66
Division Place: 1st Place / 3
Josh Keane
Finish Time: 6:09:36
Overall Place: 44th Place / 66
Division Place: 4th Place / 5
Terri Bednar
Finish Time: 6:10:40
Overall Place: 45th Place / 66
Division Place: 1st Place / 5
Lisa Keane
Finish Time: 6:15:40
Overall Place: 46th Place / 66
Division Place: 2nd Place / 5
Lynett McClay
Finish Time: 3:33:40
Overall Place: 118th Place / 139
Division Place: 3rd Place / 4
Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:
I completed the Best Of The West Marathon, marking my third participation in this event. Each experience has been better than the last. I appreciated the chance to meet new people and catch up with friends. The weather was perfect for running a marathon. The event was well-organized, with easy packet pickup, clear communication, and parking conveniently located near the start and finish lines. The course was well-marked, with multiple aid stations that were well-stocked. The marathon was an out-and-back course, while the Half Marathon was point-to-point, with a bus provided to return participants to the starting line. Well done to all finishers and great job to TEAM ER.
Race Recap By Terri Bednar:
I ran in the Best of the West Marathon on 9/20! It was gorgeous fall day that I got to spend in nature with great friends!! Western Reserve Racing did a fantastic job of organizing this race. Packet pickup was a breeze, and there were bathrooms with flushing toilets and running water. The aid stations were well stocked and the course was well marked. I am happy to report that I shaved 38 minutes off my trail marathon PR and I was first in my Age Group! I only fell once. I give the race 5 stars and I would do it again!
Race Recap By Lisa Keane:
It was a perfect fall day for a trail marathon redemption!
Easy directions, organized packet pickup and good communication.
Ample free parking close to the start / finish and clean indoor restrooms with running water.
Chip timing on a well marked and scenic course running through wooded areas and along the lake. Terrain was a nice mix of rocks, roots, grass and one long hot stretch of road! The leaves are starting to fall making the trail a little more treacherous – I tripped a handful of times before finally biffing it hard enough to knock my hat off of my head!
Aid stations were well spaced and nicely stocked and burritos ready at the finish for all runners!
All runners got a nice short sleeve tee and finishers medal. Overall and 5 year age group awards were 3 deep.
This was my 2nd attempt at a trail marathon. This was a tough race for me. I worked really hard and am happy to report that I improved my time by one hour 16 minutes and placed 2nd in my Age Group!
Congratulations to all of my fellow Team ER trail tribe – everyone placed in their age group!
I would definitely do this one again!
Race Recap By Lynett McClay:
Best of the West Marathon and Half Marathon. This morning presented ideal conditions for a woodland run. Western Reserve Racing organized a well-executed event. The course featured a predominantly flat terrain with intermittent rolling hills. A mix of trails and roads comprised the course, offering scenic views overlooking the dam. The half marathon followed a point-to-point format. Ample parking accommodated all participants. Four aid stations were fully equipped and staffed by supportive volunteers. Indoor restrooms were conveniently located near the start and finish. Packet pickup was efficient, with clear instructions provided. The course was meticulously marked. Having participated in this event for the third time, I secured third place in my age group. All participants received a soft, commemorative tee shirt and medal. I intend to participate in this event again.