WHEELING — Final preparations are under way this morning for the start of events surrounding the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk.

“We’re just watching the clock tick by and at the predetermined moments in the countdown certain things are supposed to happen and they are,” said R. “Scat” Scatterday, in his first year as race director after serving the previous 30 years in other administrative capacities.

“The facts are I had this race put to bed two and a half weeks ago,” Scatterday continued. “In other words, I have 27 race committee members doing their things and I’m standing back and watching it happen. When you have a quality team carrying out responsibilities, it makes leading an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”

Four events are on tap for today, which will unofficially help usher in summer in the Ohio Valley — the Ogden Torch Relay, the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot, the Ogden Fun Run and the Ogden Mile.

The Ogden Torch Relay, which will honor our nation’s veterans, is the weekend’s newest event and promises to stir up many emotions as it winds its way through the community. It begins at 4:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Osiris Shrine in Elm Grove.

“The relay is coming together far better than I ever thought it would,” Scatterday said. “We may see as many as 500 to 600 people at the intersection of Main and 14th streets tonight.”

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will be participating in the relay, which will begin with Wheeling Police Chief Kevin Gessler carrying the flame.

Two other Wheeling city officials, Mayor Nick Sparachane and City Manager Robert Herron, will also carry the torch during its journey down National Road.

Veterans slated to carry the torch include Lt. Paul Hicks, Lt. Col. Pat Plunkett, Tech Sgt. Jim Koonce and Gunnery Sgt. Dale Sigler.

Thirteen Wheeling Park High School students will also participate. They are, in no particular order, Angela Carey, Alicia Miller, Roberta Davidson, Gwen Fales, Jennifer Gutman, Lauren Thomas, Stephen Perry, Tim Frank, Dominick Jebbia, Branden Bellanca, Shane Swiger, Ryan Beabout and Tomisha Jenkins.

Manchin will be the final person to carry the flame. He will be joined near the corner of 14th and Market streets by the 35-member 249th West Virginia Army National Guard Band under the direction of Warrant Officer Tom Goff at about 6 p.m. The band will be playing patriotic tunes near the start/finish line near the intersection of Main and 14th streets prior to the procession’s arrival, starting at about 5:30 p.m.

When the relay reaches the start/finish line, Manchin will make remarks, the National Anthem will be sung and a special treat will take place.

“I want to point out there will be a surprise ending to the torch relay ceremony after the governor finishes speaking,” Scatterday said. “It’s worthy of everyone’s participation.”

Scatterday is encouraging folks to line the relay’s route to support the veterans and others transporting the flame.

Following the conclusion of the relay, the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot will step off at 6:45 p.m. This will be followed by the Ogden Fun Run at 7 p.m. and the Ogden Mile at 7:15 p.m.

Throughout the evening there will be plenty of non-racing activities at Wheeling’s Heritage Port including face painting provided by the Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley, a trampoline and balloons provided by Carrie Roth of Tumblin Tots and children’s books sold by Billie White.

Scatterday said registration for Saturday’s events — the 20K run and walk and the 5K run and walk — will take place Friday evening at WesBanco Arena and Saturday starting at 5:30 a.m.

Saturday’s action begins at 7:30 a.m. when the 20K walkers step off. The crown jewel of the day — the 20K run — begins at 8 a.m. The cannon will be fired to start the 5K run and walk at 8:15 p.m.

Yes, a cannon.

Scatterday said a 3-inch bore cannon supplied by John Marko Sr. and John Marko Jr. of Rayland will be used to start all Saturday races and the latter two Friday events.

While there will be plenty of excitement on the race course, and there will be plenty off of it, as well.

Wheeling Heritage Port will be alive with music, vendors and other activities starting at 9 a.m. The awards ceremony will take place there starting at noon.

Scatterday said entries are up significantly for all events.

“I’d say it’s the most we’ve had in five years,” he said.

With a number of entrants expected Saturday morning, Scatterday expects more than 1,000 people to take part in race events this weekend.

“We think the reason for this is a combination of increasing the prize money to more categories, and grooming the race around the local participants and more family-friendly activities,” Scatterday said. “Perhaps people are even coming to Wheeling for family reasons and are including us in their plans.”