File Photo Runners take off from the starting line of the Ogden Half Marathon.

WHEELING — It will be an early, but energetic morning for hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators Saturday, May 24, in downtown Wheeling, as the latest installment of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine kicks off, promising another two days of fun, fitness and fellowship.

Classic events will be coupled with new features to give people – and some pets – of all ages and fitness levels the chance to get their blood pumping while enjoying the company of their friends and neighbors from around the Ohio Valley. Whether it’s running or walking, on two legs or four, or even on wheels, there will be something for everybody.

“Everyone involved with the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine are so excited to welcome participants and spectators to downtown Wheeling for this awesome event,” said Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “It’s a signature event of ours and a signature event of the Ohio Valley summer, and it once again is shaping up to be a great kickoff to the summer season.

“Of course, none of this could happen without the gracious help of our sponsors and our volunteers,” he added. “And our employees have been working throughout the year to prepare for this big weekend. We thank everyone for their help once again and wish everyone participating the best of luck over the two days.”

The Ohio Valley has been dodging raindrops for most of the past week, but that shouldn’t be a problem over the two days of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. According to WTRF Chief Meteorologist Jeff Booth, today should be mostly sunny with a high approaching 65 degrees. Sunday could see a few more clouds roll in, but rain shouldn’t be coming with them. It will also be a little bit warmer, with the high predicted to reach 68.

That should make for comfortable conditions starting this morning with the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic Run kicking off at 7:15 a.m. and the walk following at 7:30 a.m. The 5K Run and Walk presented by WVU Medicine Children’s begins at 7:45 a.m. with the run and 7:50 a.m. with the walk.

The kids won’t be left out of the fun. The Ogden Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s, which takes children ages 12 and younger around downtown Wheeling, begins at 8:30 a.m. The Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine Children’s, for kids 5 and under, follows at 10:30 a.m. near Heritage Port.

Our furry friends won’t be ignored, either. New for this year is Rovers on the River presented by Play N Stay Pet Camp. The event will allow leashed pets and their people to traverse a 1½-mile course on Heritage Trail along the Ohio that will include fun obstacles for four-legged participants to try. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ohio County Animal Shelter.

A bar will open at 7:30 a.m. today. ID is required.

WVU Medicine also will hold a health expo outside of WesBanco Arena. Physical therapists will be on hand for post-race massages and emergency personnel will be available to treat any issues. Information also will be available for the myriad other services that WVU Medicine provides in the Ohio Valley.

Fun Continues On Sunday

Cyclists will get their chance to hit the road Sunday morning. The Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour will begin at 7 a.m. and feature 15-kilometer, 50-kilometer and 100-kilometer rides.

Then comes the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan at noon, which sends urban warriors throughout Wheeling up, over and around more than 20 obstacles, many of which incorporate Wheeling’s history. Among the new spots for participants is the new Market Street Parking Garage.

Some participants are brave enough this weekend to tackle the three most challenging events – the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan and the Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour – all in one weekend. Those hardy souls will complete the Ultra Urban Challenge.

Live entertainment will rock downtown with The Vindys from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. The bar will be open at 9 a.m. Sunday and food trucks will be available to grab a bite on both days. The WVU Medicine health expo will run again Sunday.