WHEELING — When it comes to building a healthy lifestyle, there’s no sense in waiting. The younger that people begin caring for their well-being by getting some exercise, the better.

The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine offers that opportunity to the region’s youngest runners, holding a pair of events that let children get the chance to stretch their legs and get moving. The weekend will include the Ogden Fun Run, presented by WVU Medicine Children’s, and the Tiny Tot Trot, also presented by WVU Medicine Children’s.

Both races will be held Saturday, May 25, with the Fun Run starting at 8:30 a.m. and the Tot Trot starting at 10:30 a.m.

Both are non-competitive events, but the kids will still enjoy the exercise.

“We are beyond excited to again welcome children from near and far to enjoy such fun, family-friendly activities at beautiful Heritage Port in Downtown Wheeling,” said Jennifer Compston-Strough, managing editor of the Times Leader and coordinator for the kids’ races. “The Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot, both sponsored by WVU Medicine Children’s, are elements of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine that truly make it an event for all ages.”

The Ogden Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s is for children ages 12 and under.

A $20 entry fee includes a race T-shirt, and pre-registered participants are guaranteed a T-shirt. Parents are encouraged to run with their children at no cost or, if they would like a T-shirt, could pay $15. Sizes and quantities of T-shirts are limited at the event.

According to the race website, the one-mile run will begin at the start/finish line on 14th Street, and head up 14th to Eoff Street.

The course heads up 14th Street to Eoff Street, where it turns left, heading north on Eoff Street to 11th Street west.

Runners then descend the hill next to the Wheeling YWCA, crossing Chapline Street and heading to Market Street, where they turn right and travel north to 10th Street, left on 10th to Main Street, and then left on Main Street south. The course then turns right on 11th Street, at the elephant, Bobo, at the Heritage Port Gateway Park, then left onto Water Street. The course continues for 300 yards on Water Street.

The Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine is a short 100-yard jaunt along Water Street near Heritage Port for the weekend’s littlest legs. Children ages 4 and 5 will race first, followed by children ages 3 and under. A $15 entry fee includes a T-shirt.

“In my opinion, the Tiny Tot Trot is the cutest race in America,” Compston-Strough said. “I urge families and spectators to come on out and cheer the children on.”

Registration and packet pick up is 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25. All entrants will receive a finisher’s ribbon.

New this year for the races is Jill Spangler, director of Clinical Nutrition for WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital and WVU Reynolds Memorial Hospital, who will lead the little ones in stretching and warm-up exercises prior to each heat of the Tiny Tot Trot. This will help ensure that they are ready to run and begin to teach them the basics of a healthy lifestyle that includes proper preparation for vigorous exercise.

Other features for this year will include the Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Zone, balloon artist Jennifer Mull-Staley, supervised games on the lawn and healthy drinks and snacks courtesy of Sam’s Club in St. Clairsville.

Other local businesses offering support are Unified Bank, McDonald’s and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

“The Ogden Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is an event the entire family can enjoy and these two races are proof positive of that,” said Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “The Ogden Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s and the Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine Children’s allow our youngest to step up from being spectators to becoming active participants. They learn the value of physical fitness and have a fun time in the process.”

To register, visit ogdenwellnessweekend.com.