File photo The Ogden Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine will hit the streets of Wheeling again May 25-26.

The Memorial Day weekend tradition of downtown Wheeling, that gets hundreds of locals and visitors up and moving in and around the city, is back for another edition.

The Ogden Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine returns for another two-day run May 25-26. Once again, the weekend will provide a full menu of physical activities and other enjoyments for all ages and fitness levels.

Registration is open and can be accessed via the event’s website, ogdenwellnessweekend.com.

“The Ogden Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is one of the highlights of our year,” said Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “It’s a labor of love for our fantastic volunteers and the numerous wonderful sponsors that help make it happen. We can’t wait to welcome even more participants this year for a full weekend of family fun and fitness.”

The weekend begins with the 46th running of the venerable Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic on Saturday, May 25. It’s a race that takes competitors through several of Wheeling’s neighborhoods with a challenging course stacked with steep hills. The Half Marathon Run is scheduled for a 7:15 a.m. start, with the Half Marathon Walk following at 7:30 a.m.

“We’re excited to make the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic even bigger and better,” said race organizer Joe Lovell, also special events coordinator for Ogden Newspapers. “Our registration numbers since registration began are up over last year at this time. That’s a good sign and a good start.”

On Sunday, May 26, comes another of the weekend’s marquee events – The Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan. The event, which has bloomed in popularity since its inception, will allow urban warriors to tackle around six miles of daunting obstacles. Those taking on the course will see some tests that they know, and some they’ll meet for the first time.

“Right now we’re in the process of coming up with the course of the 2024 Tough As Nails,” said event director Eric Anderson, the publisher of the Tyler Star News, Wetzel Chronicle and Green Tab. “We’re looking at creating new obstacles and some twists and turns that will combine some old favorites with some new ones that will be sure to challenge participants’ strength and endurance.”

Anderson said it has been a satisfying experience for the people who have helped build and grow the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan.

“It’s really the only race of that type in the region,” he said. “It’s a newer draw for the area and folks seem to have a really good time participating. It’s a good environment. They’re having fun running it and at the finish line. And the word of it continues to grow and increase its popularity.”

Weekend organizers hope to use the same course maps as last year, but understand there could be some tweaks involved due to the ongoing Downtown Streetscape Project.

That Sunday will provide some two-wheeled physical fitness opportunities as well. The Wheeling Heritage Trail Bike Tour will begin that morning, offering cyclists trails of 100 km, 50 km and 15 km to ride. The 100 km ride begins at 7 a.m., with the 50 km ride following at 8 a.m. and the 15 km ride going at 9 a.m.

For those brave enough to try all three over the weekend, there’s an event that allows them to do so – the Ultra Urban Challenge presented by Bordas & Bordas. Those who finish all three will receive a custom t-shirt made by The Wheeling Feeling.

There also will be chances for people to get up and moving, even if they’re not up for a half-marathon course. The 5K Run will start at 7:45 a.m. May 25, with the 5K Walk starting at 7:50 a.m. For the younger set, there will be a Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. May 25 and a Tiny Tot Trotin at 10:30 a.m.

As competitors cross the finish line on both days of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, they’ll get the opportunity to celebrate with their fellow competitors and their friends. A bar at the race site will open at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. The Sunday schedule also will include bands from 1:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.

“There are so many options for every member of the family to come out and enjoy the weekend, both athletically and as a fan,” Nardo said. “It’s such a great way to kick off the summer in the Ohio Valley and we invite everyone to come to downtown Wheeling to take part.”