There are no losers in this weekend's Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic and its related events. Simply by striving to do their best in extremely challenging physical activities, those who participate have demonstrated that they are winners. That is one reason the event itself is a winner for our community.

Since the race began, many improvements have been made. Competition has been opened up to many athletes. In addition to the 20-kilometer run, there is a walking race at the same distance. For those better at short bursts of speed there is the Ogden Mile. For athletes who prefer the 5-kilometer distance, there are walking and running races.

A new event this year is the Ogden Newspapers 5K Team Cup, permitting teams of five competitors to pit their abilities against other groups. And, of course, there is the Tiny Tot Trot for the youngsters.

There is, in short, something for everyone, whether you compete, cheer for the athletes, or just enjoy watching them.

It doesn't occur automatically. Without the support provided by several sponsors, the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic would not be possible. They help to provide financial and other assistance for a variety of reasons - but the bottom line is that they are eager to do something good for the communities they serve. Our hats are off to them.

Hundreds of volunteers, nearly all of them working behind the scenes, are as important to the race as the shoes worn by the runners and walkers. Race Director Howard Corcoran, Co-Directors Robert Scatterday and Mark Ridgely and the many volunteers working with them deserve enormous praise for their work, which continues throughout the year. They, too, are doing something very worthwhile for residents of our communities.

Volunteers and sponsors have made the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic and other race-related events a true team effort - and a winning one, at that. It has become a tradition, not just for the athletes but also for Ohio Valley residents who enjoy the spectacle and, sometimes, the drama of hundreds of runners and walkers testing their limits on challenging racecourses here in Wheeling.

We take genuine pleasure in commending and thanking all those who have made the event possible. We join them in wishing competitors the best of luck.