The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend and the Tiny Tot Trot have come and gone with another successful event on the books.

The weather was cool last weekend, which was perfect for those running the Half Marathon or competing in the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge. But no chill in the air was going to keep our littlest participants from stretching their legs and making a dash for the finish line.

Once again, we created a fun, festive atmosphere for the children, complete with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Parrot and Pierogies, games, toys, music and lots and lots of bubbles.

Although I am official the director of that portion of the event, I could not have pulled it off without the support of several sponsors and the hard work of numerous volunteers.

I would like to thank WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital for serving as our title sponsor.

I also appreciate the toys and gift cards provided for the tots by Outback Steakhouse, Belmont County Tourism Council, Chik-fil-A, McDonald’s Grandpa Joe’s Candy Store and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. A special thanks goes to Sam’s Club in St. Clairsville and Manager Cathy Litchko for providing an ample supply of healthy snacks and drinks for all of our tiny participants. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention John McMahon and Designed for Print of Barnesville for the quick turnaround he always provides when I need last-minute materials such as posters and signs.

Thank you as well to my wonderful volunteers, who helped me load and unload materials and supplies, set up our tent, entertain the children and their families and run an event that made dozens of people very happy. Those volunteers include my husband, Mike Strough, friend and news correspondent Lenny Wittenbrook, brother Larry Compston, sister-in-law Marie Compston and friend Sheryl Sonk — the latter three all retired teachers who know how to manage any event involving young children.

The event also benefited from the participation of Jill Spangler, director of Clinical Dietetics at WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial hospitals. For the second year in a row, Jill led the tots in stretching and warm-up exercises before they took off from the starting line. Her high-energy approach and enthusiasm for fitness seems to inspire the kids and their parents alike.

I also want to give a shout out to Union Local School District and Superintendent Zac Shutler, who loaned us a public address system so that our announcements and music for the warm-ups could be heard.

Finally, I want to thank all of the attendees for coming out and once again making the Tiny Tot Trot bigger and better than ever. I can’t wait to see you all again next year!