The Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk Torch Relay continues to pick up steam as less than a week remains until the inaugural event.

“I was away (last) weekend and I came home and there were 18 messages” from people who wanted to participate in the torch run, said R. “Scat” Scatterday, race director for The Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk.

“I received a two-page typed anonymous letter from, apparently, a vet. He went on and on about how awesome this was to be able to do something. And then he gave 15 to 18 suggestions on how to improve it for next year.”

The Olympic-style relay has been growing steadily since it was announced publicly last month.

And recently, Scatterday found out that a band will be joining the festivities.

“We have received word that the 249th West Virginia Army National Guard Band, under the direction of Warrant Officer Tom Goff, will be joining us,” Scatterday said.

The unit will perform a wide variety of musical selections, according to Scatterday, and enhance the patriotic feel of the festivities.

“When you have the presence of a musical organization, there is an entirely different feel or reaction,” he said.

The torch will begin moving through the streets of Wheeling at 4:30 p.m. Friday, rain or shine, starting at the Osiris Shrine parking lot in Elm Grove.

And when the procession starts to pull away, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will be in the lead vehicle.

Scatterday was extremely pleased when he learned Manchin accepted the invitation to join the relay.

“He will be participating even though he had some knee surgery last year,” Scatterday said.

Manchin will be the final person to carry the flame in the procession. He will be handed the torch near the Federal Building on Chapline Street. As the procession reaches 14th Street, Manchin and the other participants will be joined by the band and all will march in unison to the start/finish line near the intersection of 14th and Main streets.

There, the National Anthem will be sung, followed by the playing of Taps.

“This will bring a well-rounded presentation to the entire ceremony,” Scatterday said.

Following the conclusion of the torch relay, Friday’s running events—the Tiny Tot Trot, the Ogden Fun Run and the Ogden Mile—will take place.

There promises to be plenty of excitement during the relay, which will, after starting in Elm Grove, make its way down National Road.

Scatterday is inviting all members of the community to come out and support the procession as it makes its way along its route through the community.

“Anywhere and all along the route, if people would just be there with maybe a flag, banners, appropriate dress, signs and cheers and somehow be a continuous line of support for the torch, and the veterans in particular, as it goes by, that would be great,” Scatterday said.

Wheeling Police Chief Kevin Gessler will be the first to carry the flame. He will be followed by a slew of torch bearers that will include Mayor Nick Sparachane and City Manager Robert Herron.

Thirteen essay winners from Wheeling Park High School also will have chance to carry the flame. 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.

But the biggest cheers could be reserved for the four veterans slated to carry the flame. Lt. Paul Hicks will represent veterans who served between 1991 and the present.

Lt. Col. Pat Plunkett will represent the years 1960-90. He will be followed by Tech Sgt. Jim Koonce, who will represent the 1950-59 era.

Gunnery Sgt. Dale Sigler, a veteran of World War II, will carry the flame for vets who served from 1949 and before.

Veterans who served between 1991 and the present are asked to arrive at the bottom of Wheeling Hill at 5 p.m. to join the procession. Veterans who served between 1960-90 should join in at the top of Wheeling Hill; 1950-59 should join in at Stone Boulevard historical marker; and those serving in 1949 and before should join the procession at the former Lincoln School. All veterans who served before 1991 are asked to arrive at their respective locations at 5:15 p.m.

Veterans and members of their families can participate for free. No sign-up is required and all participants can wear hats and carry flags and banners.

Oglebay Park will provide its Little Red Trolley as a sweep vehicle and alternate transportation for any participants who either believe they can’t cover the distance or discover they need to ride to the finish line. Scatterday said Ohio County Schools also will be providing a bus.

“There are many options for people to participate,” Scatterday said, “from running the entire thing to just showing up at the finish line.”