Photo provided Runners carry a single American flag during the America 250 Relay for America, a nonstop 3,000-mile relay celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. More than 250 participants are relaying the flag from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., where it is expected to arrive on July 4. The relay is projected to pass through Wheeling on July 1.

WHEELING — A cross-country relay honoring America’s 250th anniversary is projected to pass through Wheeling this week as more than 250 runners carry a single American flag from the Pacific Coast to Washington, D.C.

The America 250 Relay for America began in San Francisco and is traveling more than 3,000 miles across the United States with runners passing the flag hand-to-hand through cities, mountains, deserts and small towns. The flag remains in constant motion as it makes its way east -24 hours a day.

The relay is expected to run through Jefferson and Ohio counties on Wednesday as the flag continues its eastbound journey. The flag is projected to enter Jefferson County at about 5:20 p.m. Segment 218 of 250 is expected to move through Wheeling at approximately 9:15 p.m.

From start to finish, the relay spans roughly 20 days and covers 3,016 miles — with each mile dedicated to a veteran who served the country.

The relay was conceived in 2024 after endurance runners Joe Nail and Wyatt Moss met while pursuing 50 marathons in 50 states. Their vision eventually evolved into a nationwide effort.

Organizers said the relay’s mission is to unite Americans one mile at a time through shared participation.

While the route is scheduled and projected, organizers note the flag can be tracked in real time at relayforamerica.org.

The relay will continue through the Ohio Valley before moving toward Pennsylvania and ultimately Washington, where it is expected to conclude under July 4 fireworks over the National Mall.