WHEELING — In a short period of time, WVU Medicine Children’s has become an integral part of the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. Many of the events that populate the weekend’s Saturday schedule are presented by the organization.

And WVU Medicine Children’s is excited to be back once again as the sponsor for those events that not only fulfill the organization’s mission of promoting health and wellness to the children of the Ohio Valley and beyond, but expands that mission to include those of all ages.

The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine returns for another year May 24-25 in downtown Wheeling.

WVU Medicine Children’s administrators believe the relationship they have with the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is mutually beneficial.

“At WVU Medicine Children’s, we are deeply grateful for the partnership with Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine,” said Marisa Sayre, executive director of development, marketing and communications for WVU Medicine Children’s.

“Their fundraising support plays a vital role in helping us raise the critical resources needed to provide the highest level of care close to home for our patients.

“Their support directly benefits the children and families of the Ohio Valley,” she said, “ensuring that we can continue to meet their needs and make a positive impact on their health and well-being.”

WVU Medicine Children’s will present four events, all occurring on Saturday, May 24. There are a pair of 5K races, a run and a walk. The run begins at 7:45 a.m. with the walk following at 7:50 a.m. Prizes will be awarded in the open divisions of both the run and the walk for both men and women. First place is $75, with second place $50 and third place $40.

Race towels, bottled water and fresh fruit will be available to participants. All 5K competitors will also receive a race medal, along with one food voucher, and pre-registered participants are guaranteed a shirt.

There are also a pair of events for younger participants – the Ogden Fun Run presented by WVU Medicine Children’s and the Tiny Tot Trot presented by WVU Medicine Children’s. The Fun Run, which starts at 8:30 a.m. May 24, is a non-competitive event for children ages 12 and younger. All pre-registered participants in the one-mile race are guaranteed a t-shirt.

The Tiny Tot Trot, which begins at 10:30 a.m. will have two heats, one for children ages 4 and 5 and one for children ages 3 and younger. The run will happen on Water Street and all children who participate will receive a ribbon.

“We couldn’t be happier that WVU Medicine Children’s has continued its relationship with the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine,” said Jim Spanner, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “Their sponsorship of the Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot are a perfect partnership and their sponsorship of the 5K run and walk add to the family atmosphere of the weekend, allowing recreational runners to join in on the fun.”

Registration for all events can be done at ogdenwellnessweekend.com. When participants register, they also have the opportunity to donate to WVU Medicine Children’s by clicking the “Donate” button on the registration page.