WHEELING – Just like fine wine, The Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic improves with age.

The 40th edition of the running extravaganza played out Saturday morning on the hot and humid streets of the Friendly City. After four decades, the Ogden Classic has become a rite of late spring in the Ohio Valley.

Year 40 proved one of the best in its storied annals – thanks to a much inflated entry list, new awards and a streamlined and popular schedule.

The half marathon and 5K entry list saw a combined jump of more than 250 participants. That is quite an impressive spike in one year.

Moreover, those who finishing the demanding 13.1 course received a new and larger commemorative medal. Also, all the events – including the Tiny Tot Trot and 1-mile Fun Run – were staged Saturday morning, making it more conducive for greater participation.

Not counting the youth events, the classic welcomed some 970 entries.

Race Director R. “Scat” Scatterday is an ageless 74, a former fighter pilot who flew 136 bombing missions in Vietnam and the passionate driving force behind the Ogden Classic.

He has been cast as race director for the past 10 years, but involved in all 40 years of the event. Scatterday has no immediate plans of passing on the leadership torch.

“I subscribe to the theory that when it stops being fun, it is time to get out,” Scatterday said. “I am still having fun with the race and the way things played out today (Saturday) pleases me.”

“I have a simple formula for success. I surround myself with good people and then get out of their way,” he continued. “A lot of people make this race what it is.”

While the classic enjoyed an enhanced and favorable response in its 40th edition, Scatterday is not one to be satisfied with the status quo.

“I think we can improve some things, such as our online registration, keeping it open the entire time,” Scatterday noted. “There are some other areas we can tweak and fine tune. But overall, things are pretty well galvanized right now.

“There are really no headaches that go with the race. It is just dealing with any surprises that may pop up,” he added. “I have already started preparing for next year’s race.”

BUBBA’S RACE BITS

• THE STREETS of Wheeling come alive quite early on race day. RS Racing Systems was busy putting the finish line timing system in place by 5 a.m.

• I HAVE always said that age is just a number. That was borne out again Saturday as no less than 25 people in their 70s and a handful more in their 80s entered the classic.

• BELLAIRE’S ROBERT “Moose” Dodrill again delivered superb renditions of the national anthem prior to the start of all the races Saturday.

• KUDOS GO out to Shadyside’s Joe Foster for again carrying a U.S. flag on a large pole the entire 13.1 miles. He is a former U.S. Marine.

• THE NEW course for the 1-mile Fun Run was well received by the youthful participants.

• THE GREEN shirts for those pre-registering for the classic were simply gorgeous.