Despite the rain, more than a thousand runners and walkers completed what has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition in the 29th annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk - but this year, the race was forced to break from tradition with an altered course.

While some runners enjoyed the new, flatter course, others did not enjoy the changes as much and said they would like to get back to the old way of racing.

"It was fun doing it a different way,'' Wheeling resident George Frazier said. "I don't think it was that much easier. In the old course, you did have hills, but there also were downhills. This was a steady hard course, so it really wasn't that much easier.''

Race Director Howard Corcoran said minor alterations were made to the course several years ago for course recertification purposes, but the race has had the same start/finish line for 29 years.

And while the same start/finish line was kept this year, four miles of the course were changed. A portion of the race took runners on the Wheeling Heritage Trail, which is nearly flat, and so three hills were left out completely this year.

"I like the old course. This one was harder for me. I like the hills,'' Katherine Stephens-Bogard said. She added that the new course did not allow much room for spectators, and she said it helps the runners to be able to hear the people cheering for them.

"It is still a 12 1/2-mile race, and that's a long way,'' said Dr. John Holloway, one of the 16 Ogden Ironmen who have run the race all of its 29 years.

"I must say, it was certainly psychologically nice to know you didn't have Wheeling Hill to go up,'' he added.

Some runners said they like the old course, even if it was a little harder with the hills.

"It was easier this year, and the changes were OK. But I am a traditionalist, and I like the old course,'' said Ironman Frank Monteleone. "I am old school. I liked the hills.''

But at least one runner was pleased with the changes.

"I liked it. I didn't miss those hills at all,'' Jim Rownd said, adding that it was hard to compare the courses because they were so different.

And still others said changes or no changes, the race is simply a fun event.

"It was a little bit easier without the hills, but to me, these races are just a good time,'' Larry Rohland said.

Much like the racers, the spectators said the rain was not enough to stop them from supporting their runners and walkers. And those who stood for hours in the wet weather did so for many reasons.

"I did it to watch my husband. He's been running for four or five years now. The weather isn't pleasant-I tried to get him to stay home, but he wouldn't,'' said Judy Strasser.

"I'm here to see my neighbor run. The weather could be better, though,'' added Buddy Varner.

Local standout Ricky Moore, who had an entire community pulling for him and cheering his second-place finish, also brought a number of fans to the streets of downtown Wheeling.

"I'm here to see Ricky Moore win!'' said Nikki Moore.

For Steven Johnson, it was the power walkers that drew his attention.

Kathy Gasperowich came in support of a friend and commented on how the race draws the community together. "I think the race brings people together-it brings unity.''

The rain outside kept things busy inside two of Wheeling's downtown businesses Saturday morning, as coffee, hot chocolate and cappuccino were on tap to help warm up the race watchers.

Mary Ann Lokmer, owner of Wheeling Coffee and Spice, located just a few feet from the race start/finish line, spent the morning with two other employees making hot drinks for patrons. She said she looks forward to the Ogden 20K Classic each year, as the race is good for business.

"The race helps business very much every year. Even with the rain, the crowds have been great. We do very good business during this time every year,'' she said.

Meanwhile, 7-11 clerk Amber McElfresh also had a busy morning, as hot coffee and the cappuccino machine provided warmth for many.

"Business has improved. In the morning, I'm usually not busy - and with the rain, it should have been worse. The race definitely has improved our business,'' she said.