Runners worldwide now have access to entry forms and information concerning the 30th annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk to take place Saturday, May 27, in downtown Wheeling.

Race Director Howard V. Corcoran pointed out that more than 12,000 entry forms will be mailed to potential runners and walkers. The applications also are available online through numerous Web sites including the race site, www.ogden20kclassic.com.

“More than 9,000 applications have gone out in direct mail, with many of them addressed to previous participants in the Ogden Classic,” Corcoran said. “We have 3,500 e-mail addresses on file that we are using to send applications and race information as well.”

“One of our goals continues to be to increase the number of participants taking part during race weekend. The numbers have gone up each year since the Ogden Newspapers took over sponsorship of this event, and we expect that trend to continue in 2006,” Corcoran said.

Many other Web sites are available for the runners and walkers to join this year’s field. They can register at www.active.com, a Web site that provides race entry information to runners around the world. This gives the Ogden Classic the kind of exposure that would be impossible to obtain elsewhere, Corcoran said.

The Parkersburg Half Marathon, another race sponsored by the Ogden Newspapers, also includes an entry blank on its Web site, www.newsandsentinel.com/halfmarathon/index.asp, as does The Debbie Green 5K Memorial Classic at www.debbiegreen5k.com, held each August in downtown Wheeling.

Ogden Classic race information also can be found on the Runners High Web site, www.runhigh.com, which does the timing for the Wheeling distance race, and Fleet Feet Sports, www.fleetfeetpittsburgh.com.

“As you can see, we are using every avenue available to inform the public along with the runners and walkers about our race,” Corcoran said.

Inside the application form is information on all the running and walking events to be staged over the two-day period beginning Friday night, May 26, in the area adjacent to WesBanco Arena in downtown Wheeling.

This year’s festivities begin Friday, May 26, with the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot, sponsored by Ohio Valley Parent Magazine, at 6:45 p.m.; the Ogden Fun Run at 7 p.m.; and the Ogden Mile and Ogden Masters Mile at 7:15 p.m.

Saturday’s activities start with the 20K Walk at 7:30 a.m., the 20K Run at 8 a.m., and the Ogden 5K Run and Walk at 8:15 a.m.

Entry forms can be obtained in Wheeling at the following locations: the Ogden Newspapers; Howard Long Wellness Center; Mason Rehab Center; Chambers YMCA; Wheeling YWCA; CentreTown Fitness; Wheeling Jesuit University; TJ’s Sports Garden; Legg, Mason, Wood, Walker, Inc.; Hole N Run; Shirts N More; Ohio Valley Awards; Wheeling Convention & Visitors Bureau; Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce; and Uncle Pete’s.

Other sites include Cabela’s; The Times Leader in Martins Ferry; and Runners Connection in Bellaire.

Sponsors for this year’s event along with the Ogden Newspapers are Mason Rehab Center, Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center, United Bank, Wheeling Hospital and the Ohio County Commission.