The Buckeye Trail 50k was started in 1994 as Joe Jurczyk’s informal birthday run/race. Joe has been running the Buckeye Trail since his college days – which predates the CVNP. The original course was an out and back starting at Oak Grove and going south to Pine Lane. It also included segments to Brecksville Road (the first course was actually longer than 50k!) The out and back course enabled all participants to see every other participant at some point along the course.

While the park systems mature and routes are changed to incorporate many different needs, the allure of the Buckeye Trail 50k remains. In the first year, the event had thirteen finishers with Steve Godale and Mark Godale, both running their first ultramarathon, finishing together in first place in 5:12:18. As trail running has become more popular, so has the race. As one of the first ultras in Ohio and now in its 30th year, the Buckeye Trail 50k is recognized as the oldest trail 50k in the state of Ohio. This year BT50K has also been designated the RRCA Ohio 50k Championship Race.