Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend Organizers Gearing Up For 2025 Event

The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine once again will pack downtown Wheeling this Memorial Day weekend.
The recent snowy blast around the Ohio Valley has kept the idea of warm, sunny days and Memorial Day weekend fun out of the minds of valley residents, but the organizers of the annual Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine already are hard at work preparing for that weekend, and the thousands who will join them for two days of fun, fitness, family and friendship.
The Ogden Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine will be held on May 24-25 this year in downtown Wheeling. This year’s event will mix longtime favorite events with some new opportunities that allow people – and pets – of all fitness levels to participate.
“As an Ohio Valley native, I have known for a long time not just how important the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is, but also just how fun it is,” said Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News Register. “I can’t wait to help present to the Ohio Valley another edition of this event, and all our hard-working volunteers and wonderful sponsors are ready to do the same.”
The weekend kicks off Saturday, May 24, with the 47th running of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, which sends runners and walkers up, down and around several of Wheeling’s neighborhoods on a challenging, hilly course. The Half Marathon Run is scheduled for a 7:15 a.m. start, with the Half Marathon Walk following at 7:30 a.m.
“This is just a fun event for everyone to come to,” said race director Joe Lovell, special events coordinator for Ogden Newspapers. “And with everything we add to it, it makes it the place to be down on the waterfront.”
Sunday, May 25, brings with it another signature event that continues to grow in popularity – The Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan. In that challenge, urban warriors will tackle physical challenges throughout the city that, all together, provide a fun, unique experience with some out-of-the-ordinary obstacles. Participants never see the same course twice, and this year will be no different.
“We are excited as we prepare for the 2025 version of the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan,” said event director Eric Anderson, the publisher of the Tyler Star News, Wetzel Chronicle and Green Tab. “This year’s course will be slightly redesigned with some new twists and turns thrown in to challenge participants. We’ll have over 20 obstacles for participants to climb over, crawl under, and carry items that will test their strength and endurance. Whether participating solo, or as a part of a group, we feel they’ll be challenged and have fun doing it.”
Speaking of new twists, there will be a new event Saturday not just for participants on two legs, but for those on four legs as well. The inaugural Rovers on the River presented by Play N Stay Pet Camp will be held around noon May 24, with the staging area sitting near the children’s events. This new event will allow pets and their owners to get some exercise and join in the fun.
“It’s great to have our pets involved,” Lovell said. “Everyone is a pet lover, and it’s great to have something like this so we can bring even more people into the weekend, and they can come and participate with everyone else.”
Sunday will offer another chance to get the blood flowing for folks who prefer to hit the open road on two wheels. 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.
Those valiant enough to tackle all three of the weekend’s major events can sign up for 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 are chances for those not up for a half-marathon to get the blood pumping. The 5K Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s will start at 7:45 a.m. May 24, with the 5K Walk presented by WVU Medicine Children’s starting at 7:50 a.m. For the younger set, there will be a Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s at 8:30 a.m. May 24 and a Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine Children’s at 10:30 a.m.
Competitors on both days of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, will have the chance to celebrate with fellow competitors, family and friends following a job well done. 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 live music from The Vindys from 1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
“The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is the perfect way to kick off the summer season in the Ohio Valley,” Spanner said. “It’s a great way for valley residents, their kids and even their pets to enjoy a fun, active time. We invite everyone to take part.”
To register for the weekend’s events, visit ogdenwellnessweekend.com.