WHEELING - Whether you compete in the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic or take a more relaxed approach, you are sure to find something to do in Wheeling this Memorial Day weekend.
Though the Ogden race - set for May 27-28 - is the weekend's premier event, Race Director R."Scat" Scatterday wants everyone to know there is much more going on from May 27-30.
"This distance race used to be an athletic event on Saturday morning. It is now a community wide, family focused series of events," he said. " So, if you're looking for something to do, we've got three bike tours, nine races and five concerts and more.
"This is intended to say, 'Hey - return to Wheeling to run, picnic, cheer, eat and find quiet time in between outstanding entertainment opportunities for four days," Scatterday added.
Starting mid-Friday, food vendors on Water Street at Heritage Port will be set up to feed those working in downtown Wheeling, or anyone else looking to enjoy themselves at the waterfront.
The 6-mile Torch Relay begins at 4 p.m., May 27, at the Osiris Shrine Temple in Elm Grove. The estimated two-hour event culminates at the marathon's start/finish line on 14th Street in downtown Wheeling.
Scatterday said the relay is designed to honor all members of the military, both past and present, noting, "We encourage anyone who wishes to honor a member of the military to come out and join us."
At 6:45 p.m. Friday, the non-competitive Ogden Tiny Tot Trot for children 5 years old and younger will occur on 14th Street between Main and Market streets.
At 7:15 p.m. Friday, the Ogden Fun Run will kick off at the top of Wheeling Hill near the old Windmill building. The run is the last mile of the marathon race course. And at 7:30 p.m. Friday, the Ogden Mile and Masters Mile will begin in the same location.
At 6 a.m. Saturday, late registration at WesBanco Arena begins for all Ogden race events that launch on 14th Street. The half marathon walk kicks off at 7:30 a.m., followed by the main event at 8 a.m. - the half marathon run.
At 8:15 a.m. Saturday, the 5K Run and Walk for Health begins. The 5K awards ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m., with the half marathon awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at Heritage Port.
Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theater will showcase "Bridges" at 8 p.m.
Registration for Wheeling Heritage Trail Tour bicycle event begin at 8 a.m. Sunday at Heritage Port. The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and includes three different bike tours: 10 miles, 25 miles and 100 kilometers or 62 miles.
At 7 p.m. Sunday, a free concert is scheduled at the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater at Oglebay Park, featuring the Streamline band.
On Monday, Memorial Day, a public memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. at Heritage Port with members of the VFW 4442, American Legion Post 1 and 89 and the Marine Corps League. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at WesBanco Arena.
Also on Monday, there will be a free concert featuring Buddy O and the Dancemasters at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Port.
"If you come to run, bring your bikes and your walking shoes, and enjoy the concerts," Scatterday added.
For more information, go to www.ogdenhalfmarathonclassic. com.
