Photo by Kim North Jenny Brewer celebrates as she crosses the finish line as winner of the women's Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic at the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine.

WHEELING – Jenny Brewer celebrated her 32nd birthday Saturday morning with another first-place finish in the 48th-annual Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, part of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine.

The St. Marys native was the first woman to cross the finish line in the half-marathon around the Friendly City, marking her second half marathon title in Wheeling. She also won in 2024.

“I’m so excited. This is the fourth time I’ve done this race, so it is like a hometown race and I love the hills and the community. I’m so happy,” she declared.

In addition to her first-place finishes Saturday and two years ago, Brewer also has a second-place finish and a third-place finish to her credit.

“This is a tough course,” she said. “It’s so rewarding when you win.”

Brewer’s time was 1 hour, 28 minutes, 46 seconds, which was nearly five full seconds ahead of the second-place runner, Wheeling Park High School’s Brenna Tipton, who clocked in at 1:33:24.

Brewer said the conditions, though rainy and cloudy, made for a great course to run.

“A little overcast. A little rain. Perfect day for running,” Brewer said. “The hills are challenging, but they are my favorite part of the race.’

Brewer ran collegiately at Alderson Broaddus.

Finishing third was Kelley Duplaga (1:33:47). Taking fourth was Shae Reinbeau (1:35:43) and Laurie Blankenship (1:37:01) rounded out the top five.