Ron Green, director of the Debbie Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk for Leukemia, is always looking for ways to improve his annual race, which is set for Aug. 1. After 12 years, he thought it was time for the biggest change yet. In order to go ‘‘fast, fast, faster,’’ Green has changed the layout of the course, the first time since the race’s inception. ‘‘We wanted to stay away from 10th Street and 16th Street,’’ Green said. ‘‘We have one big downhill near Wheeling Central. ‘‘The idea was to be less uphill, more downhill, and more straight stretches.’’ The race will start and end at the Heritage Port like it always has. It will begin up 12th Street before taking a right onto 13th and onto 14th Street. It will then return to 12th Street and cross the beginning point before taking Main Street, Market Street and 22nd Street. The runners will then turn down Chapline Street near the Ohio Valley Medical Center before turning around on 28th Street and on to 27th. Once the runners make it to Lowe’s, they will turn down Main Street and head for the Heritage Port in hopes of winning one of the many prizes given. ‘‘The old course was put together without a lot of thought,’’ Green said. ‘‘This one will be more participant-friendly. I really like this course.’’ But like always, this is the ‘‘Race for a Reason,’’ and there is more to what goes on during the weekend than just winning a race.