Photo by Derek Redd From left, Brian Clutter, operations manager for The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register; James Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register; WVU Medicine North Region President Douglass Harrison; and Joe Lovell, special events coordinator for The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, go over preparations for the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine.

WVU Medicine North Region President Douglass Harrison has watched the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine grow over the last few years and remains impressed that the event’s growth continues.

“I think this race is gaining so much momentum year after year,” he said. “It’s becoming a tradition and I think people look forward to it.”

Event organizers are looking forward to welcoming thousands of participants and spectators over the weekend, set for May 23-24 in downtown Wheeling. The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine offers people – and pets – of all ages and fitness levels the opportunity to get out and get moving.

Registration for all of the weekend’s events — the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge presented by the Health Plan, the 5K Run and 5K Walk, both presented by Bordas & Bordas, the Ogden Tiny Trot and the Ogden Fun Run, both presented by Bordas & Bordas, Rovers on the River presented by Play N Stay Pet Camp and the Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour — is open now at ogdenwellnessweekend.com.

While the weekend continues to grow in popularity overall, it also has grown in interest with WVU Medicine employees. Participation in the weekend is at all-time highs within the health system.

“Our team members want to support the community,” Harrison said. “They want to find things to do in this community and this event has become ingrained.

“Yes, we are an acute care hospital,” he added. “Yes, we take care of sick people, but we have done so much in trying to promote wellness and wellness activities and trying to find activities for our employees to engage in.”

WVU Medicine’s engagement goes beyond its title sponsorship. On the event’s website, videos featuring WVU Medicine experts can be found, guiding potential participants through the preparation for the various races.

Howard Long Wellness Center Director Joe Slavik details a progressive training plan to tackle the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, one of the country’s toughest half-marathons with multiple steep hills. WVU Medicine Clinical Nutrition Director Jill Spangler explains how to strategically plan nutrition and hydration for the race and discusses the importance of a balanced diet and race-day fueling. WVU Medicine Sports Medicine Specialist Daiva Mitchell shares essential tips on preventing injuries during training.

And on race days, WVU Medicine staff will staff the physical therapy tent so participants can keep themselves in top condition.

Taking such an integral role in the entire weekend is something Harrison and WVU Medicine take very seriously. WVU Medicine wants to be part of the communities in which it resides, and events like these help with that.

“I know our role in the community,” Harrison said, “and I don’t take that lightly. The investments being made are being made because it helps make our community stronger.”

James Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, agrees that the relationship the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine has built with the health system only makes things stronger.

“Both WVU Medicine and Ogden Newspapers care deeply about the Ohio Valley,” Spanner said. “We want to see our neighbors happy and healthy. We’re so pleased that we have been able to come together once again to present this weekend of events that will only bolster the opportunities for folks from the Ohio Valley and beyond to feel their best.”