WHEELING — The sun appeared just in time Friday to shine on what may be the cutest annual race ever.

The Ogden Tiny Tot Trot nearly was forced to be conducted inside WesBanco Arena because of a rain storm. Race organizers, however, delayed the event to allow the sun to break through dark clouds that doused city streets with rain just minutes before the official start of the race.

The scheduling shuffle did not seem to phase the 65 race participants, who were eager to show off their athletic prowess. Although their tiny feet may have been damp, it did not stop the youngsters from flying off the start line on 14th Street. As they crossed Main Street to reach the finish line near WesBanco Arena, the children all were declared winners in the 100-yard dash. Each received a balloon and medal. They also were treated to pizza and soda.

Wheeling resident Hope Childers brought her 2-year-old son, Patrick, to run the tot trot. She said the event, which precedes the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic today, has become a family tradition.

“It’s something we can do as a family,” Childers said.

She noted her husband, Ryan, was going to race in the Ogden Fun Run with their daughter, Maggie, 7.

Sheila and David Smith of Bridgeport brought their twin sons, Elijah and Isaiah, 4, to be tot trotters. Sheila noted participating in such a race was only natural for the twin brothers.

“They run everywhere; they never walk,” she said. “Isaiah said he wanted to be the first one across the line this year.”

She noted after the race that he nearly met his goal.

While waiting for the start of the tot trot, Moundsville resident Shawna Zervos asked her daughter, Zara, 3, why she wanted to run.

“To get a medal,” Zara said while gazing at colorful bunches of balloons carried by race workers.

Zervos noted some of husband Ted’s family traveled from North Carolina to participate in today’s 20K run.

“The whole family is running this year,” she said.

The Ogden Tiny Tot Trot, sponsored by Ohio Valley Parent Magazine, is non-competitive and open annually to children 5 years old and younger.

Betsy Bethel, editor of Ohio Valley Parent Magazine, said the trot prompts children’s interest other racing events, and it simply is a fun time for all.

“The parents and grandparents really seem to enjoy it every year,” she said. “It’s so cute — some of the kids take it so seriously.”