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THIS YEAR'S CLASSIC

Events for the 33rd annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk:

TODAY

• Torch Relay - 4 p.m.

• Ogden Tiny Tot Trot - 6:45 p.m.

• Ogden Fun Run - 7:15 p.m.

• Ogden/Masters Mile - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

• 20K Walk - 7:30 a.m.

• 20K Run - 8 a.m.

• Ogden 5K Run/Walk - 8:15 a.m.

WHEELING - You don't have to be in Wheeling on Saturday to see a friend or loved one complete the 33rd annual Ogden 20K Classic Run and Walk - instead you can watch the participants live online as they cross the finish line on 14th Street.

The 20K Walk steps off at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 20K Run at 8 a.m. and the Ogden 5K Run/Walk at 8:15 a.m. A streaming video of the finish line will become active on The Intelligencer's Web site at 8:25 a.m. Saturday.

Viewers can simply log on to www.theintelligencer.net and click on the Ogden 20K Classic Finish Line banner, located midway down the page, to watch a live broadcast of runners and walkers as they finish the race. The broadcast will feature not only those who complete the main 20K race, but also the finishers of the 5K Run and Walk.

And if you miss the live finish of the race, you still can watch the participants in their moment of triumph at a later date, as the newspapers will archive the video on its Web site.

According to Sarah Clark, online manager for The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, StratusWave is working with the newspapers to make the streaming video possible.

"The live Webcast will be offered so that anyone can watch their loved ones finish the race from anywhere in the world," Clark said.

Those who can make it to Wheeling this weekend can watch the race in person and take part in a variety of race-related events starting today.

The festivities begin at 4 p.m. today with a Torch Relay throughout the city in honor of America's veterans.

This is the third year for the relay, which pays homage to veterans representing all branches and eras of military service. All veterans and their families are invited to participate in the event, which will cover the final six miles of the 20K course along National Road.

Four local veterans will represent their eras during the relay - Gunnery Sgt. Dale Sigler (World War II), Tech Sgt. Jim Koonce (Korean War), Cmdr. Robert Kota (Vietnam War) and Lt. Col. Paul Hicks (Gulf War).

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin also is scheduled to participate. Manchin will lead the procession into the downtown, where the event will conclude at the start/finish line near the corner of 14th and Main streets.

Once there, a number of patriotic moments will occur, such as the singing of the national anthem and, for the second year, the arrival of a Black Hawk helicopter at Heritage Port.

Some of the region's smallest and most energetic residents will then take to the streets of the Friendly City for the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot at 6:45 p.m. today. Everyone age 5 and under is a winner in this 100-yard dash that begins under the WesBanco skywalk on 14th Street. Registration begins at 5 p.m., and there is no entry fee.

The Ogden Fun Run, a 1-mile event for older children, begins at 7:15 p.m. Friday at the top of Wheeling Hill. A $7 entry fee covers the cost of a race T-shirt and a ribbon awarded at the finish line. Parents are encouraged to join their children for free in this event. The parents also can receive a T-shirt for a $5 fee.

The Ogden/Masters Mile at 7:30 p.m. also begins at the top of Wheeling Hill - perhaps the reason it is known as the "fastest mile in America" with a recorded time of 3:39:82.