WHEELING – Kathy Blass sees a strong parallel between those who will run through Wheeling this weekend as part of the 39th Annual Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic and those women who have survived their battle with breast cancer.

Blass’ organization, Ohio Valley Breast Cancer Awareness Inc., is an all-volunteer group that provides products and services to breast cancer patients at local hospitals and will receive the proceeds from this weekend’s race. Like those running the race, those affected by breast cancer also are running a marathon, she said.

“They’re racing to get themselves healthy,” she said.

In an effort to honor those who are battling or have battled cancer, runners and walkers will be able to pick up special bibs that will serve as tributes to loved ones. The bibs, sponsored by Main Street Bank, are double-sided, allowing the participant to write the name of a loved one who has beaten cancer, or one who ultimately succumbed to the disease.

Bibs can be picked up near the registration table inside the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Parking Garage. A designated table features the bibs, as well as markers to allow runners to write in the name of their loved one.

While the idea of wearing a loved one’s name pinned to their shirt could seem to be a solemn endeavor, Blass – a survivor herself – said she feels it will be empowering for all involved.

“I hope everybody embraces this opportunity to run in honor of a loved one,” she said. “It’s empowering, and a way to understand what they’ve endured. If a breast cancer patient can endure what we’ve endured through treatments and months of physical and mental stress, then running a two-hour race is within anyone’s ability. We are so appreciative of them putting our name on a bib to memorialize and honor us.”

Race Director R. “Scat” Scatterday said he is pleased to offer runners and walkers a way to show their loved ones their support and let others know of their battles.

“Any runner can assign a person’s name who has had the experience of going through not only breast cancer but any cancer,” he said. “Any runner is encouraged to identify a cancer survivor or victim that they want to honor by taking on the running challenge of this race.”

Also new this year, participants are encouraged to follow the race action through The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register’s social media pages. The newspaper’s Twitter account, @IntelligencerWV, will feature live updates from the race, as well as photos from the event.

Participants and their supporters are encouraged to interact with others on race day using the hashtag #OgdenHM15, and also share their stories about the loved one for whom they are running.

Race events get under way this evening starting with the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot at 5 p.m.