Buckeye Lake Fun Run

The Buckeye Lake Fun Run brings boaters together Saturday, June 27, 2026, for a day of cruising, waterfront stops, a sandbar raft-up and charitable fundraising on Buckeye Lake in central Ohio.

Created to bring the Buckeye Lake boating community together, the recreational fun run welcomes a mix of pleasure and performance boats for a full day on the water. Registration is limited to the first 60 entries.

The organized portion of the day includes a 1 p.m. lunch stop at Boat Yard, where participating crews can gather for a lunch buffet before heading back onto the lake.

Following lunch, boaters cruise to the West End Sand Bar for an afternoon raft-up. The sandbar stop gives crews time to tie up, relax and spend the afternoon with other participants before continuing to the final destination.

The fun run concludes at 6 p.m. at Waterfront on Buckeye Lake in Thornville, where boaters gather for dinner, drinks and a live auction conducted by Barber Auction Co.

Proceeds from the live auction benefit the Nick Ellas Toy Drive, which supports local families and children in need. The charitable component gives the Buckeye Lake boating community an opportunity to turn a summer day on the water into support for families throughout the surrounding area.

Waterfront on Buckeye Lake also provides live entertainment during the day, including music from Jake Binegar, with additional entertainment continuing into the evening as crews gather at the final stop.

The Buckeye Lake Fun Run is organized as a recreational boating gathering rather than a race. The event welcomes a variety of pleasure and performance boats, with the focus on cruising Buckeye Lake, spending time with other boaters, enjoying the sandbar and supporting a local cause.