Runners take off at the starting line at last year’s Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic. Now in its 46th year, the race kicks off the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend hosted by WVU Medicine. (File photo)
WHEELING — As the sun rose over the city of Wheeling this morning, hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators gathered downtown for the latest edition of Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend, presented by WVU Medicine, a two-day celebration of physical fitness and family fun.
The weekend offers an opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels, from runners to walkers, cyclists and urban warriors, to get outside and get moving. Participation is expected to be higher overall than last year, creating a fun-filled atmosphere in and around Wheeling.
“Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend, hosted by WVU Medicine, is one of the highlights of our year,” said Perry Naldo, general manager of the Intelligencer and Wheeling News Register. “It’s so invigorating to see so many people come together over these two days to participate in healthy activities, enjoy each other’s company and revel in all that Wheeling has to offer.”
“This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and volunteers,” he added, “and it would not be possible without the year-round efforts of our employees, whose dedication is essential to making this a major summer event in the Ohio Valley.”
“Your contributions are essential to making this weekend a great start to summer in the Ohio Valley,” Nardo added. “We thank them and everyone else who is participating in the many events and wish you all the best.”
Rain is forecast for today and Sunday, but WTRF Chief Meteorologist Zach Peaty said the rain won’t stop while the participants are busy with their events. The weather this morning is sunny and the temperature is expected to be 68 degrees at the start of the race, Peaty said. Rain is forecast to start falling in the area in the evening.
So while some rain is possible when The Health Plan’s Tough as Nails Urban Challenge gets underway at noon Sunday, no more precipitation is expected before another chance of rain showers moves in later in the day. Temperatures around noon Sunday are expected to hit 83 degrees, Peaty said.
Today’s events start early: The Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic Run begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by the walk at 7:30 a.m. The 5K Run and Walk hosted by WVU Medicine Children’s begins at 7:45 a.m. for the run and 7:50 a.m. for the walk.
There’ll also be plenty for kids to do on Saturday morning: The Ogden Fun Run, hosted by WVU Medicine Children’s, takes kids ages 12 and under on a tour of downtown Wheeling and begins at 8:30 a.m. The Tiny Tot Trot, hosted by WVU Medicine Children’s, for kids ages 5 and under, begins at 10 a.m. on Water Street near Heritage Port.
The bar opens at 7:30am today. ID required.
WVU Medicine will also be hosting a health expo outside WesBanco Arena, where physical therapists will be on hand for post-race massages and emergency medical personnel will be available if there are any issues, along with information about the various other services WVU Medicine offers in the Ohio Valley.
Sunday is more fun
Cyclists will have the chance to hit the road on Sunday morning, with the Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour starting at 7am and featuring 15, 50 and 100 kilometre rides planned.
Next up will be The Health Plan’s Tough as Nails Urban Challenge, a challenging course filled with obstacles for urban warriors to tackle. Among the new obstacles this year is a “Slip ‘n’ Slide” that will be installed near the top of the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Center, allowing participants to cool off during their run.
This weekend, some participants will be brave enough to take on three of the most challenging events in the race – the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, Tough as Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan, and Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour – all in one weekend. These tough souls will also complete the Ultra Urban Challenge presented by Bordas & Bordas.
There’ll be live entertainment downtown, with The Vindys performing from 1:30 to 3pm and Billy The Kid and the Regulators from 3:30 to 5pm.
The bar will open at 10 a.m. Sunday and food trucks will be available for snacks both days. The WVU Medicine Health Fair will return on Sunday.
