An out-and-back through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit Metro Parks, tracing the historic Ohio-Erie Canal Towpath past the very river that gave the race its name. The 3rd leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, and a Western States 100 qualifier where every finisher earns lottery entry.
Quick facts
- Location: Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH (race hub); out-and-back to Silver Springs Park
- Date: July 25–26, 2026, 2:00 AM or 4:00 AM start
- Distance: 100 miles, out-and-back; 32-hour cutoff (early start) or 30-hour cutoff (standard start)
- Website: westernreserveracing.com
- Contact: Via contact form at westernreserveracing.com — organized by Western Reserve Racing
- Registration: Via RunSignUp. A Western States 100 qualifier — all finishers earn lottery entry — and the 3rd leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.
Course description
An out-and-back course from Cuyahoga Falls to Silver Springs Park, winding through the valley carved by the Cuyahoga River across Summit Metro Parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Roughly 70 miles of the route is singletrack and bridle trail, with about 12 miles of crushed-limestone Ohio-Erie Canal Towpath and 18 miles of road connecting the park sections. Runners pass streams, the river itself, and remnants of the historic canal along the way — a well-run, well-marked course through some of Northeast Ohio’s most scenic parkland.
Elevation change
Approximately 8,000 feet of cumulative gain for the full 100 miles — a mix of technical trail, easier singletrack, and flat road and towpath sections rather than sustained climbing.
Aid stations
Aid stations are spaced along the out-and-back route and detailed in the race’s Participant Guide, with well-stocked stations and an experienced volunteer corps that has supported the race for two decades. Pacers may join 100-mile runners starting at mile 50, or at any point for runners age 60 and over.
Special conditions & average temps
Late July in Northeast Ohio brings warm, often humid conditions, with the forested valley providing shade through the hottest parts of the day. Runners can choose a 2:00 AM early start (32-hour cutoff) or the standard 4:00 AM start (30-hour cutoff) to manage the heat and daylight; only 4:00 AM starters are eligible for overall awards.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2025
- Men: 1. Alec Cline 16:30:21 · 2. John Dragon 16:49:25 · 3. Matt Ramiller 18:16:32
- Women: 1. Megan Alvarado 21:52:37 · 2. Katherine Reigstad 22:51:53 · 3. Francesca Muccini 23:13:37
2024
- Men: 1. Heath Goshorn 15:23:12 · 2. Eric Limkemann 16:04:46 · 3. Alec Cline 16:33:12
- Women: 1. Brenda Johnson 19:19:13 · 2. Katherine Reigstad 20:54:33 · 3. Meg Parke 21:56:54
2023
- Men: 1. Justin Scheid 15:40:38 · 2. Heath Goshorn 16:33:38 · 3. Dylan Schwarz 17:33:08
- Women: 1. Jasmine L Chiaramonte 21:58:33 · 2. Katherine Reigstad 23:06:37 · 3. Danelle Villers 24:46:14
Registration deadline & how to get in
Registration is handled through RunSignUp, with base pricing available through December and rates increasing closer to race day; runners can also earn free entry by hitting a fundraising minimum for the race’s park partners by June 30. No qualifying race is required to enter, and Burning River itself is a Western States 100 qualifier — every finisher earns lottery entry — as well as the 3rd leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.