WHEELING — There are several components that go into the annual success of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, not the least of which is the dedicated group of volunteers who come out each year to lend a hand.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this without our sponsors or our volunteers,” said Joe Lovell, special projects coordinator for Ogden Newspapers and race director for the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic. “That’s a no-brainer.”

Yet, as with so many aspects of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, organizers believe the more, the merrier. So they are seeking out more volunteers to lend a hand throughout the two-day event, set for May 24-25 in downtown Wheeling.

The weekend is stacked with events to not only test the mettle of those who participate, but give those who want to help however they can the opportunity to make a difference. The weekend begins Saturday, May 24, with the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, the run starting at 7:15 a.m. and the walk starting at 7:30 a.m. Then comes the 5K Run/Walk presented by WVU Medicine Children’s, the run starting at 7:45 a.m. and the walk following at 7:50 a.m.

The younger participants will have their turn next with the 1-mile Ogden Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s kicking off at 8:30 a.m. for kids 12 and younger. Then comes the Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine Children’s at 10:30 a.m. for kids 5 and younger.

The pets even get their chance to shine this year with a new event, Rovers on the River presented by Play N Stay Pet Camp, which takes place at noon at Heritage Port.

On Sunday, May 25, the Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour starts bright and early, at 7:30 a.m. for the 100 km ride, followed by the 50 km ride at 8:30 a.m. and the 15 km ride at 9 a.m.

Then comes the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan, which begins that Sunday at noon.

With all of those events, there are chances for Ohio Valley residents to offer assistance.

“Whether it’s handing out medals or towels or helping with Rovers on the River presented by Play N Stay Pet Camp, if anyone wants to volunteer, we’ll find a place for them to be able to help,” Lovell said.

The Ogden Newspaper Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is a good place for civic groups to volunteer, Lovell said. It’s also a good place for students looking for community service hours to complete them. And it doesn’t have to be some big group that steps up. Small groups, or even individuals, are welcome to assist.

“We’re not just looking for a group of 30 people,” Lovell said. “It could be just five or six people.”

Regardless of the number of volunteers in the group or what they end up doing to help, it’s a good feeling at the end to know that they were able to lend a hand during one of the signature events of the Ohio Valley summer.

“They’re not doing it for anything in return,” Lovell said of the weekend’s volunteers. “They just want to help.”

Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, agrees that volunteering during the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine will leave those who help feeling good.

“The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is an event that celebrates the Ohio Valley and its people,” he said. “It’s the people who volunteer their time that make this weekend so special each year. We’d love to have even more people join us to help give the weekend’s participants the best experience possible.”

Those interested in volunteering can contact Lovell at 304-233-0100 ext. 215 or by email at jlovell@theintelligencer.net. Those interested in participating in the weekend’s events can register by visiting ogdenwellnessweekend.com.