Youngsters get ready to participate in a previous Tiny Tot Trot at the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. (File Photo)

WHEELING — When it’s said that the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is fun for the whole family, that’s proven in the events offered.

Sure, there are the spotlight events like the Ogden Newspapers Half-Marathon Classic and the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan that give the grownups their time to shine. Yet there also are events specifically for the younger set that offer an opportunity for them to join in on the pathway to fitness.

The weekend, set for May 24-25 in downtown Wheeling, includes two events for those just getting into exercise. The weekend will include the Ogden Fun Run, presented by WVU Medicine Children’s, and the Tiny Tot Trot, also presented by WVU Medicine Children’s.

Both races will be held Saturday, May 24, with the Fun Run starting at 8:30 a.m. and the Tot Trot starting at 10:30 a.m.

Both are non-competitive events, but Jennifer Compston-Strough, managing editor of the Times Leader and coordinator of the kids’ runs, said the main mission is for youngsters to get their blood flowing and their pulses up.

“For parents who are serious about running or training themselves who would like their little ones to follow in their footsteps, the Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot, both presented by WVU Medicine Children’s, is a perfect introduction to our Wellness Weekend,” she said. “But it’s also a fantastic opportunity for any family to get outdoors, stretch their legs and have some fun.”

The Ogden Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s is for children ages 12 and under. A $20 entry fee includes a race T-shirt, and pre-registered participants are guaranteed a T-shirt. Parents are encouraged to run with their children at no cost or, if they would like a T-shirt, could pay $15. Sizes and quantities of T-shirts are limited at the event.

According to the race website, the race will begin at the start/finish line on 14th Street, and head up 14th to Eoff Street. The course heads up 14th Street to Eoff Street, where it turns left, heading north on Eoff Street to 11th Street west.

Runners then descend the hill next to the Wheeling YWCA, crossing Chapline Street and heading to Market Street, where they turn right and travel north to 10th Street, left on 10th to Main Street, and then left on Main Street south. The course then turns right on 11th Street, at the elephant, Bobo, at the Heritage Port Gateway Park, then left onto Water Street. The course continues for 300 yards on Water Street.

The Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine is a short 100-yard run along Water Street near Heritage Port for the weekend’s littlest legs. Children ages 4 and 5 will race first, followed by children ages 3 and under. A $15 entry fee includes a T-shirt.

Registration and packet pick up is 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 24. All entrants will receive a finisher’s ribbon.

“We can’t wait to welcome folks to what I believe is the cutest race in America and, as always, we are extremely grateful to our sponsors for helping us to make it happen,” Compston-Strough said. “We couldn’t do it without their generous support.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates will send some of its mascots to the events on Saturday, including some of the Pierogies and the Pirate Parrot. Spike, the mascot of the Wheeling Nailers, also will be in attendance. Other businesses supporting the kids’ runs include McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse and Unified Bank.

“We want everyone who comes to the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine to have the opportunity to be an active participant in the fun of being fit,” said Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “These two races – the Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot, both presented by WVU Medicine Children’s – is a great chance for our youngest visitors to take part in the weekend’s festivities and learn a little bit more about being in good shape at the same time.”

To register for all the weekend’s events, visit ogdenwellnessweekend.com.