WHEELING — Some of the youngest participants in Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine by joining in the Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine Children’s.

The trot is an opportunity for the younger crowd of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine to get some exercise.

Two trots occurred at Wheeling’s Heritage Port, the first race for children 4 and 5 years old and the second race for children ages 3 and younger.

One of the participants was 3 year old Avery Beagley.

Avery’s father Adam Beagley said that he and his other daughter, 6 year old Lilia Beagley completed the 5K race presented by WVU Medicine Children’s.

“We were here last year, and they did the tiny trot last year, and then she (Lilia) graduated up to the 5K and we’re gonna do the tiny trot again with her (Avery),” Adam said.

Avery added that she was excited for the race but was unsure how well she’d do.

Avery and Lilia’s mother, Katie Beagley said that although she was a spectator today, 5Ks are a family affair adding that her father Kevin Tierney also ran the 5K presented by WVU Medicine Children’s.

The Beagley family came in this weekend from Pittsburgh. Katie said that since she’s originally from Martins Ferry and she’s grown up knowing and attending Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, she wants to carry on the family tradition of attending.

Katie added that Lilia is in a running club at school and has wanted to attempt a 5K. Since the family was so familiar with Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, they believed it would be the perfect time for her to try to and successfully complete one.

Before the Tiny Tot Trot kicked off, Jill Spangler, Director of Clinical Nutrition at WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial and Wheeling hospitals, led the children in various stretching exercises with music playing.

Wheeling Nailers mascot Spike, The Pittsburgh Pirates mascot Pirate Parrot, and Mrs. T Pierogies mascot Sauerkraut Saul were in attendance to party with the kids while stretching and warming up.

Another Tiny Tots Trot participant was four year old and Wheeling native Benny Donahue.

Benny’s mother Abbey Donahue said that Benny participated two years ago and he had a fun time and wanted to do it again this year.

“It’s a great thing for the community. I mean, it’s the wellness weekend, and the pierogies are here which is fun for the kids and lots of other activities,” Abbey said.

She added that she just came for the tot trot but 2019 she competed in the 5K.