On your mark. Get set. Go!

In just a few days, the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend will take over the streets of Wheeling, marking what has become the unofficial start of summer in the Ohio Valley.

What started out decades ago as a 20K foot race has evolved into a two-day series of events that offer fun and fitness for the entire family. Starting with the Half Marathon Walk and the 5K Twin Pops Run/Walk for Health presented by Ziegenfelder at 7:30 a.m., the events get underway on Saturday, May 27, at 14th and Main Streets in the downtown. The Half Marathon Run follows at 7:50 a.m. The 5K run then begins at 8 a.m.

A half hour later, the fun really starts for the younger generation. That’s when the Ogden Fun Run for kids 12 and under gets underway. The 1-mile, non-competitive jaunt through the city streets gives children — and their parents if they decide to join their youngsters — a chance to really stretch their legs and get their hearts pumping.

For the cutest race in America, in my opinion, families will want to stick around for the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot at 10:30 a.m. This dash-style run also is non-competitive, and it is for children 5 and younger. Before and after the trot, there will be children’s games and activities on the lawn at Heritage Port, and elements of the Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Zone will be available on the patio at WesBanco Arena for people of all ages to enjoy. Plus, each child who is registered for these events will receive a T-shirt and a bag filled with goodies.

Adding to the fun is the race After Party. The beer garden opens at 7:30 a.m. with DJ Jan Jursa spinning hits from then until 1 p.m.

Sunday, May 28, brings the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge beginning at noon. It will be preceded by the 2023 Wheeling Heritage Trail Biycle Tour starting at 7 a.m.

A 100K tour sets off at 7:30 a.m. with a 50K tour beginning at 8 a.m. and a 15K version at 9 a.m.

The bar opens at 10 a.m. that day with the Sun King Warriors providing live music from 1:30-3 p.m. and the Delaneys on stage from 3:30-5 p.m.

As you can see, whether you’re a serious athlete, a more casual walker for health, a parent, grandparent, child or just a fan looking for something to do, we will have something for everyone.

As a veteran of these weekend events, I can assure you that the atmosphere surrounding these races and challenges is electric. I have worked as a finish line photographer, roving reporter and Tot Trot coordinator during our race weekend for years, and I always find something new and exciting taking place.

I hope to see many of our readers join us in downtown Wheeling at some point during the Memorial Day weekend. I think many would be especially amazed at the performances they could witness on Sunday, when participants scale, crawl, climb and run through obstacles of all sorts.

Yes, Memorial Day is supposed to be a solemn occasion to honor our fallen military members. Those observances will be held throughout the Ohio Valley on Monday, May 29. But the holiday, much like our race weekend, has become a signal that summer has arrived. There is no better time to get out and celebrate.

What better way to do that than to get outdoors, get moving and cheer on those who dare to challenge themselves with any of the events we have planned?