WHEELING — WVU Medicine Children’s has established itself as a premier organization dedicated to improving and fortifying the health of young people around the Mountain State.

It is only fitting that it now is a sponsor of some of the most family-centric events of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine.

WVU Medicine Children’s, for the first time this year, will be the sponsor of the 5K run and walk, the Ogden Fun Run and the Tiny Tot Trot.

All of those events will happen Saturday, May 25.

“WVU Medicine Children’s is very excited to sponsor the Ogden Wellness Weekend and sponsor the 5K, Ogden Fun Run, and Tiny Tot Trot,” said Amy L. Bush, chief administrative officer of WVU Medicine Children’s. “Our WVU Medicine Children’s team works year-round to build healthier futures for the women, children, and families in our community. We can’t think of a better way to do that than to take part in an event that promotes health and brings families together.”

The 5K Run and Walk, Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot, all sponsored by WVU Medicine Children’s, allows the entire family to take part in the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine.

Those events join the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic set to run May 25, and the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan and the Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour, both set for Sunday, May 26.

The 5K Run and Walk allows competitors to get those juices flowing in a shorter setting than the half marathon’s 13.1 miles around Wheeling. The Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot are non-competitive, but give children the chance to get their legs moving in the morning.

At 8:30 a.m. May 25, kids ages 12 and under can participate in the Ogden Fun Run At 10:30 a.m., children 5 and under can join the Tiny Tot Trot. Children ages 4 and 5 will run first, followed by children ages 3 and under.

Bush said WVU Medicine Children’s mission will only be enhanced by its inclusion in this year’s Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine.

“WVU Medicine Children’s relies on the community’s support to provide the best possible outcomes for the children who need our care,” she said. “Sponsoring these races allows us to further invest in and support the Ohio Valley as we work to provide world-class pediatric care to the region. We can’t wait to celebrate Ogden Wellness Weekend with all of you.”

Perry Nardo, general manager of the Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, said he was ecstatic to welcome WVU Medicine Children’s into the fold as a sponsor.

“The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend’s relationship with WVU Medicine over the years has done nothing but make this event better for everyone involved,” he said. “We’re so happy that WVU Medicine Children’s has agreed to join us this year. The organization’s dedication to the families of West Virginia is amazing, and we couldn’t be more pleased that WVU Medicine Children’s will help us make the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine something that the entire family can enjoy.”

Those interested can register right now for all of the weekend’s races at ogdenwellnessweekend.com.