Ogden Wellness Weekend Kicks Off Memorial Day Festivities in Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — Memorial Day Weekend in Wheeling was off to a fast start on Saturday as hundreds of people came out for a race to the finish line.

The streets of Wheeling were flooded with people Saturday as Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend, presented by WVU Medicine, welcomed people from all over the country.

It’s an event that is marked on people’s calendars every year.

The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend is one that always brings out some of the best characters and costumes in the Ohio Valley.

With it being Memorial Day Weekend, Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty made an appearance on behalf of WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, and they shared just how special the event was.

It is great. You know, people sort of look at you, and you just give them a good morning, and yeah, it’s a beautiful morning. It’s a great American morning, a great event. So we’re quite happy, and that’s what the hospital is all about giving back to the community.”

Jay Myers – Uncle Sam, Employee of WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital

I’m happy to join my grandpa and do all the crazy things he does

Julia Myers – Statue of Liberty, Jay’s Grandaughter

The event also brings many traditions for some. One group of fantasy football players has been choosing a costume and making the loser of their league run in the WVU Medicine Children’s 5k for the past three years.

This year, the loser dealt with some injuries during the season and, as a result, was running as Macho Man.

It is fun. This today wasn’t fun. It’s more fun being on that side of the fence watching this guy. But that’s all right; I want to keep it going, so I didn’t want to not do it. I want to keep this tradition going for years. The worst part was getting passed by little kids.”

Dave Bonar – Fantasy Football League Loser as Macho Man Randy Savage

The event’s half marathon always seems to be one of the fan favorites, and two of the three ironmen who have been running it for more than 45 years shared just how special it is to race through the friendly city.

I think it’s fantastic because you get a 13.1-mile tour of the city while you’re out there.”

Michael Lemaster – 46-year Ironmen participant at Ogden Wellness Weekend

One participant has been competing in various races at the event since he was 11 years old. Today, he fell short of first place in the half marathon walking race but says there is plenty more to appreciate than just winning.

I love the spirit, I love the atmosphere, I love the energy, I love the crowd support, I love the announcers, I love the fans, and I love seeing all my good walking and running friends and their families. It’s fantastic. There’s nothing better than the Ogden half marathon. There just isn’t.”

Carl Condrach – 2024 Half Marathon Walk Runner-Up

WTRF is a proud media sponsor of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend.

It may have been a long day for some, but there was plenty of fun to be had here in the Friendly City on Saturday, especially if you had yourself some food truck vouchers.

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