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Running A Passion For Many

By Joselyn King 3 min read

WHEELING - The clock hadn't even struck 7 a.m. on a rainy Saturday, and Stephen Clark still smiled brightly as he stood outside WesBanco Arena awaiting the start of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic.

Clark, of Belmont, explained he just likes to run, and he likes the Ogden race. It was the fifth time he has participated in the event.

"I have a very jovial time," he said. "It's a very organized race. It's a good time for the city to showcase itself, and a good time to renew friendships established over the years."

It's a healthy tradition to have, he continued.

"It motivates you to get in shape, eat right, and do the things you need to do to be healthy," Clark said.

To prepare, he said he takes long walks and runs in Belmont.

"But it's very difficult to simulate the race," Clark continued. "While we have hills in Belmont, there is nothing there that challenges the runner like they have here."

Among the first to arrive and pick up their race gear Saturday were Tiffany Franckhauser and Matt Hennings of Steubenville.

The pair said they were participating in the Ogden Half Marathon race for the seventh time.

"We enjoy doing it. We get to meet a lot of people," Franckhauser said. "We do marathons and go all over the place."

Hennings said it was their fourth race of the year. In the past, they have participated in races in such areas as Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Akron and Canton.

"Running helps us to stay in shape, meet people and see different people," he added.

Michael Borsuk last Sunday graduated from Wheeling Park High School, and he ran in the Ogden Newspapers 5K Twin Pops Run for Health on Saturday for the first time.

Borsuk was already in shape for the race, as he was a member of both the cross country and track teams at the high school.

"I'm doing this just for fun, and to support friends who are doing the half marathon," he said.

Marla Seszko of Bellaire participated in the Ogden Newspapers 5K Twin Pops Run. She is an employee of The Health Plan, a sponsor of the 2022 Tough As Nails Urban Challenge on Sunday.

It was her third time walking the race.

"I had hard-boiled eggs for a little bit of protein, and some coffee," she said.

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