DEADLINE APPROACHES – There’s still time to register for this year’s Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend, presented by WVU Medicine. Events will be held Saturday and Sunday in Wheeling. -- File photo

WHEELING — Organizers of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine want as many people as possible to enjoy the event, from the hardcore distance runners to those who are just out to have fun.

And for some, “fun” might not mean a half-marathon distance.

So the weekend offers a wide spectrum of races that allow recreational competitors to join the fun, namely the 5K Run and Walk, both presented by WVU Medicine Children’s.

Those races are part of the full slate to be found this year on Saturday. The 5K run begins at 7:45 a.m. that day, while the walk follows at 7:50 a.m.

Registration for those races and all the events scheduled for the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine can be found at ogdenwellnessweekend.com.

Race Director Joe Lovell, special events coordinator for Ogden Newspapers sites throughout the Ohio Valley, said it was important that the 5K races be a part of the weekend’s events, as those who don’t have the time or ability to devote to training for a half-marathon will still be able to participate in the weekend.

“A half-marathon is a different type of race,” he said. “Whether it’s on flat land or on hills, it’s longer. You have to train more and endure more.

“A 5K is something everyone can do,” he added. “You can go out and run a couple times a week and be ready for the competition.”

Prizes will be given in the Open division of both the run and walk – $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $40 for third place for both men and women. Race towels, bottled water and fresh fruit will be available to participants, who also will receive one food voucher. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed a shirt and all 5K participants will receive a race medal.

Beyond the prizes competitors can win, the 5K races offer a more communal atmosphere. The half-marathon field is filled with those not worried about whether their friends will stick with them throughout the course. The 5K field sees more groups, Lovell said. It’s an opportunity for people to get in a nice workout and still be able to stay with the people with whom you came to downtown Wheeling.

“It’s a really enjoyable thing,” Lovell said. “People come in groups and a lot of businesses come together. You see three or four or five people all walking or running in a group.”

Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, said one of the main missions of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is to make sure as many people as possible have an outlet to continue their fitness journeys.

“This is a community event and we really want everyone in the community to take part,” Spanner said. “The 5K Run and Walk presented by WVU Medicine Children’s allows competitors across the spectrum of fitness levels an opportunity to get in some good exercise. And they don’t even have to be competitors. They can just be participants looking for a nice workout.

“This is such a wonderful weekend,” Spanner added. “We’d love to see as many people as possible participate and these 5K races are a perfect place to do it.”