The Burning River Endurance Run follows the valley carved by the Cuyahoga River through Northeast Ohio’s most scenic terrain, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit Metro Parks, and Stow Parks. As a Western States 100 qualifier and third leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultra-running, this event attracts serious ultrarunners seeking both qualification opportunities and challenging Midwest terrain.

The 100-mile course features approximately 70 miles of single track and bridle trail mixed with sections of crushed limestone towpath and road. Runners trace the historic Ohio-Erie Canal Towpath alongside streams and rivers, then climb through hardwood forests shaped by glaciers and swift-flowing streams. The rolling terrain showcases Northeast Ohio’s diverse ecosystem, from leaf-strewn forest paths to sunny meadows, with wildlife sightings common throughout.

The 100-mile runs as an out-and-back from Cuyahoga Falls to Silver Springs Park with a 30-hour cutoff and 4:00 am start. The 50-mile point-to-point covers the front half with a 15-hour cutoff, while the Back Half 50-mile returns from Silver Springs with a 16-hour limit. The marathon runs from Oak Hill to Silver Springs with a generous 14-hour window. An 8-person relay option follows the same 100-mile route with a 27-hour cutoff.

Established as part of the Midwest Grand Slam series in 2012, Burning River represents one of the region’s premier 100-mile challenges. Runners completing all five Grand Slam races earn “Super Slammer” status, making this event both a standalone achievement and part of a larger Midwest ultra community tradition.