Photo by Joselyn King Jose Castro of Moundsville celebrates after completing the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic.

WHEELING — Participants in the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic run hard first, then they seek to play hard.

This year a recovery party was part of the race events, and many people stuck around for the live music, beer and refreshments after all had crossed the finish line.

Robbie Campbell of Bellaire walked the race, then hit the beer garden stationed outside WesBanco Arena. His time in the 5K was 47:55.

“This is very nice,” he said. “The race is over and you don’t have to go home. You can stick around a while and enjoy yourself.”

Among those most happy after completing the half marathon was Puerto Rico native Jose Castro, who now lives in Moundsville.

Castro drives a truck for ECM Services in St. Clairsville, and most days works 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I sleep, go to work then go running on the Moundsville trail,” he said.

Castro said he often runs 8 miles a day. His time in the half marathon Saturday was 2:15:27.

Herbert Parkinson of Bridgeport did the 5K walk in 51 minutes.

“It was great, but it’s better now,” he said as he sat down for refreshments.

Robert Miller of McMurray, Pennsylvania, found a cool place in the shade to sit down in the grass and remove his shoes after completing the marathon in 1:55:20.

“It’s a great race — the best run in the tri-state area,” he said. “They have great volunteers, stations, signs, volunteers and specifications.”

Bobbie Loesch of Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, ran the half marathon in 2:03:16 and praised how supportive spectators were along the route.

“It’s a lot of fun, and the people are so nice,” she said.