The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, and the races run throughout those two days, have become ingrained in the fabric of the Ohio Valley. For years, it has been a staple of the community and an unofficial kickoff to Wheeling’s summer season.

And it has been an event that has spurred other local companies whose generosity is well known throughout the Ohio Valley to lend their support to the weekend, which will run May 28-29 in downtown Wheeling. With their help, the Ogden Wellness Weekend continues to promote family fun and healthy lifestyles.

Along with the weekend’s presenting sponsor WVU Medicine, The Health Plan, presenting sponsor of the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge, and the Ziegenfelder Co., presenting sponsor of the 5K Twin Pops Run/Walk for Health, the Tiny Tot Trot and Ogden Fun Run, several other sponsors have offered crucial help to get the weekend rolling.

The Bordas and Bordas law firm, Roxby Development, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, Main Street Bank and United Bank all know what the weekend means to the region, and their representatives all said they jumped at the chance to take part.

Main Street Bank President Rich Lucas said the event shines a positive spotlight on the region.

“It gives national recognition to Wheeling and the surrounding area,” he said. “Specifically, our staff enjoys all of the events. It’s great camaraderie, great fun and gives us a chance to get together outside of the workspace and, all the while, staying healthy.”

Jeffrey Morris, president of Roxby Development, remembers growing up in the Ohio Valley and seeing how many people came to town to participate in the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic. Those memories motivated him to lend his support to the Wellness Weekend through Roxby.

“I always loved it because you saw a lot of people getting together and there was a certain energy to it,” he said. “We wanted to be a sponsor because we feel it’s our duty and responsibility to support it because it brings that life and tradition and those people to town.”

Bordas and Bordas Managing Partner Jamie Bordas agreed that the history of the event – this running of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic will be its 44th – makes it one of the Ohio Valley’s most special.

“We are pleased to once again sponsor the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend,” he said. “It has been a staple of the community for decades and we are proud that we are able to help continue to make it a great time for so many people and families.”

Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration has been a longtime sponsor of the event. Panhandle Vice President of Marketing Bob Heldreth said the company loves the opportunity to embrace an event that showcases “The Friendly City.”

“If you look back at the tradition of the race, it’s an institution in the city,” he said. “At Panhandle, we always want to be involved in what’s going on. A lot of folks are not only in the race, they watch the race. It’s a truly Wheeling event and, naturally, we want to be a part of it.”

Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, said race organizers couldn’t be happier to partner with these sponsors in presenting the weekend-long event. Their help, he said, is another shining example of how much they care about the Ohio Valley and the people who live there.

“We really appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and their support of our event,” he said. “It is seen not only in our event, but you see their names associated with so many other events throughout the Ohio Valley. These sponsors have made it their mission to make the Ohio Valley a better place to live, and we thank them for that.”

The weekend begins Saturday with the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, along with the 5K Twin Pops Run/Walk for Health presented by Ziegenfelder, and the Tiny Tot Trot and Ogden Fun Run, also presented by Ziegenfelder. On Sunday, the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan will run. WVU Medicine will host a health expo at WesBanco Arena on both days as well.

The Ultra Bar also will be open both Saturday and Sunday. DJ Jan Jursa will provide the entertainment Saturday and, on Sunday, there will be live music from Spinning Jenny and Jukebox.

For more information, visit ogdenwellenessweekend.com.