Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend gearing up for 2023 festivities
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WHEELING -- Following its successful return last Memorial Day weekend, organizers of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend sponsored by WVU Medicine are excited to bring the two-day event back to Wheeling this May.
A COVID-19-induced two-year hiatus did not dissuade thousands of runners and urban warriors from taking to the streets of Wheeling in a number of events focused on physical fitness and family fun.
This year's Wellness Weekend will take place May 27 and May 28. Registration for all of the weekend's events -- the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan, the Twin Pops 5K Run presented by Ziegenfelder, the Twin Pops 5K Walk presented by Ziegenfelder, the Ogden Tiny Trot and the Ogden Fun Run, both also presented by Ziegenfelder -- is open now at ogdenwellnessweekend.com.
"It was wonderful to see so many people from the Ohio Valley and beyond return to Wheeling last year to participate in the Wellness Weekend," said Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. "Our event organizers and our fantastic sponsors hope to see even more visit our city this year to enjoy a full schedule of events that will provide both challenges and enjoyment for everyone who participates."
There will be some changes to the event courses this year, as Wheeling's Downtown Streetscape Project will leave some downtown streets inaccessible due to construction. New course maps will be available soon, but the courses will remain fun and challenging for all those who traverse them.
The weekend kicks off with the 45th running of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, which will happen May 27. The Half Marathon Walk is scheduled for a 7:30 a.m. start with the run beginning at 7:50 a.m. Contestants will see plenty of familiar sights -- and climb plenty of familiar hills -- on the 13.1-mile course.
May 28 offers a different kind of trial for those looking to climb and crawl as well as run. The Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by the Health Plan returns to give urban warriors the ultimate test.
Those who accept the challenge will experience 6 miles of daunting obstacles, old favorites and some new selections, according to event organizer Jim Gibbons. It's all part of making the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge even bigger and better.
"Last year we were trying to get everything together and back on track," Gibbons said. "This year, we have a renewed excitement over advancing the race and investing in the development of the obstacles and the course.
"We're really pushing forward and we really want to elevate the bar and make it a lot more challenging and exciting."
Those looking for a shorter, but still substantial workout during the Ogden Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine will have plenty of opportunities. The Twin Pops 5K Run presented by Ziegenfelder will start at 8 a.m. May 27, with the Twin Pops 5K Walk presented by Ziegenfelder starting at 7:30 a.m. For the younger set, there will be a Fun Run presented by Ziegenfelder at 8:30 a.m. May 27 and a Tiny Tot Trot presented by Ziegenfelder at 10:30 a.m.
To celebrate finishing any of the events during the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend, a party will populate the waterfront Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's festivities will go from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Sunday's will go from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will feature a beer garden, plus Bloody Marys and mimosas, along with a DJ and several bands.
The Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour will return this year, and will return to its traditional Sunday morning start. That event will begin at 7 a.m. May 28.
There also will be a couple of new features to Saturday. Runners will begin and end their races at the Nick Bedway Start/Finish Line, named in memory of the longtime sports writer and sport editor of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. Bedway, who died in June at age 81, enjoyed a news career that spanned 45 years.
Also, Ronnie Green will serve as the starter for the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic. Green spent 25 years as the race director of the Debbie Green Memorial 5K and will be honored for his contributions to local road racing and the 5K's contributions to help those dealing with leukemia and pediatric cancer.
It's lining up to be another memorable weekend, Nardo said.
"Wellness Weekend is a great kickoff to the Ohio Valley's summer season," Nardo said. "We can't wait to get the summer started with a bang and offer the opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels to help themselves become stronger and healthier."
For information on everything about the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, visit ogdenwellnessweekend.com.