Runners take off from the starting line at the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic on Saturday, part of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. (Staff Photo)
Shortly after the sun peaks over the horizon on Saturday morning (if it’s not hidden by rainclouds) hundreds of competitors and even more spectators will be ready to kick off the summer season in downtown Wheeling with their participation in the annual Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. When the first runners take the course in the morning, so begins another two days of fun and fitness for the young, the old, the experienced competitors, the beginners and even the four-legged furry companions.
Whether they’re out to just stretch their legs on a short jaunt or ready to tackle a rugged, hilly half-marathon, anyone entered in the weekend’s events is in for a good time.
“This is one of the best days of the year from our perspective,” said Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “At every installment of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, we love to see just how many of our friends, neighbors and visitors from out of town come out to participate and support this wonderful event.
“There are so many people who make this happen, from our amazing volunteers to our gracious sponsors, whose time and efforts are the backbone of this yearly celebration,” he added. “The City of Wheeling has been a fantastic partner each year in this endeavor. Our employees have spent countless hours putting this weekend together and we can’t wait to watch it all come to fruition. We wish the entrants the best of luck and welcome our spectators to the Friendly City.”
The weekend could end up being a soggy one for everyone taking part in the weekend. According to WTRF Chief Meteorologist Jeff Booth, the chance of rain Saturday is at 100% and there will be periods of rain throughout the day. Temperatures will be mild, though, with a high of 72 degrees. Sunday will be warmer with a high of 80, but the chances of rain drop, sitting at 50%. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected.
So it could be a wet start to Saturday, with the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic Run kicking off at 7:10 a.m. and the walk following at 7:12 a.m. The 5K Run and Walk presented by Bordas & Bordas begins at 7:40 a.m. with the run and 7:50 a.m. with the walk.
The youngsters in downtown Wheeling this weekend will have plenty to do. The Ogden Fun Run presented by Bordas & Bordas, which takes children ages 12 and younger around downtown Wheeling, begins at 8:15 a.m. The Tiny Tot Trot presented by Bordas & Bordas, for kids 5 and under, follows at 10:30 a.m. near Heritage Port.
The Ohio Valley’s pet population won’t be left out, as once again this year, Rovers on the River presented by Play N Stay Pet Camp, will be held at Heritage Port. Leashed pets and their people can conquer a 1½-mile course on Heritage Trail along the Ohio River featuring obstacles for those furry participants to try. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Belmont County Animal Shelter.
A DJ will spin tunes throughout the day, and WVU Medicine physical therapists will be on hand for post-race massages and emergency personnel will be available to treat any issues. Information also will be available for the myriad other services that WVU Medicine provides in the Ohio Valley.
More Fun Comes Sunday
Events kick off bright and early again Sunday morning, though the feet churning right after sun-up will be attached to bike pedals. The Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour will begin at 7 a.m. and feature 15-kilometer, 50-kilometer and 100-kilometer rides.
At noon, urban warriors will brave 25 different obstacles, many incorporating Wheeling’s rich city history, during the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan. Participants will climb, crawl, leap, slide and more along the five-mile course.
And any person hardy enough to take on the weekend’s three biggest challenges – the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan and the Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour – will complete the Ultra Urban Challenge.
The fun continues away from the course with a concert by Ohio Valley favorites Eli and the Mojo Kings starting at 12:30 p.m. Food trucks will be lined up downtown for a bite to eat on both days and the WVU Medicine health expo will run again Sunday.
Pack A Poncho
Unlike last year’s event, this year’s Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine likely will be a wet one. WTRF Chief Meteorologist Jeff Booth is forecasting a 100% chance of rain Saturday with periods of precipitation throughout the day. Rain chances fall for Sunday at 50%, but Booth is still looking for scattered showers and thunderstorms that day.
WHEELING – Memorial Day weekend has arrived, and the public swimming pools in Wheeling are either open or getting …