5K Events Allow Everyone To Be Part of Ogden Wellness Weekend
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WHEELING -- The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is an event that organizers want the entire family to enjoy, but not every member of the family may be ready for the rigors of a contest like the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, a 13.1-mile trek along a hilly road course around Wheeling.
Yet they still want to get out and get active, which is why the event's 5K Run and Walk, both sponsored by WVU Medicine Children's, has become such an integral part of the weekend, and one that continues to grow in popularity.
Race Director Joe Lovell, special events coordinator for Ogden Newspapers sites throughout the Ohio Valley, said both 5K events are following the trend of the entire Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine Children's, with registration numbers ahead of this time last year.
Part of the reason, he said, is that 5K races are more attractive to a wider spectrum of runners.
"You can't just wake up and run a half-marathon," he said. "You can start training about a month out for a 5K or just walk it. You can't do that with a half-marathon. It's more like six months out when you start training."
Lovell said the introduction of the Corporate Cup also helped boost 5K participation numbers. Those participating with their respective businesses saw the 5K races as good ways to get active.
The course layout for the 5K Run and Walk presented by WVU Medicine Children's will be a little different this year, accounting for the construction seen throughout the usual course. This year, the race will begin at the same starting place at 14th Street, then heads up to Jacob Street and over to 16th Street.
Runners and walkers will then cross the Main Street Bridge and keep heading down Main Street until they reach 27th Street. After a jaunt on 27th Street, they'll turn onto Chapline Street and follow that to 33rd Street, where they will then enter Heritage Trail. They'll follow the trail until they turn onto Water Street, where they'll finish between WesBanco Arena and the Intermodal Center.
It's a course that will continue to allow runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels to join in the fun. And it's part of the reason why WVU Medicine Children's signed on as the sponsor.
"The 5K is really geared toward families," said Kathryn Vey, manager of marketing and communications for WVU Medicine Children's. "At WVU Medicine Children's, our mission is to create healthier futures for our children, and that certainly includes families and getting children and families to spend time together.
"So we really couldn't think of a better even than one that promotes health and wellness and, of course, that community togetherness," she added.
Prizes will be given in the Open division of both the run and walk - $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $40 for third place for both men and women. Race towels, bottled water and fresh fruit will be available to participants, who also will receive one food voucher. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed a shirt and all 5K participants will receive a race medal.
"The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is an event we want people at all fitness levels to be able to enjoy," said Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. "The 5K Walk and Run presented by WVU Medicine Children's is that perfect opportunity for recreational runners and walkers to join in the weekend's experience and get their blood flowing. And we couldn't be happier that WVU Medicine Children's has joined us this year to present these wonderful events."
To register for all the events during the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, head to ogdenwellnessweekend.com.