Like any event, the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk doesn’t get off the ground by itself.

It takes a plethora of workers, volunteers and participants to make it tick.

But weeks, even months before the starting gun is fired, race officials are hard at work laying the foundation for the Memorial Day weekend extravaganza.

One of the first objectives of the race committee is to shore up sponsors for the event. And for the past several years many local businesses have stepped up to the plate to help ensure that Wheeling’s 20K is among the best in the nation.

“In any endeavor you have to have a starting place to get the benefits that come later on,” said R. “Scat” Scatterday, race director. “And in this case, the goal of a higher and better quality of life for our citizens.

“As far as the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic, it starts with the major sponsors.”

On board as major sponsors this spring are JD&E, Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack, The Health Plan, United Bank, Wheeling Hospital, Manugraph DGM Inc., the City of Wheeling, and the Ohio County Commission.

“Roughly, our budget for the race is just under $100,000, and most of that is underwritten by the major sponsors,” Scatterday explained.

“There are all kinds of expenses that come into play, with one of those being the $29,000 in prize money. There are just some things that can’t be paid for. Therein lies the resources from the major sponsors to do those things that otherwise wouldn’t be done.”

Scott McKeets, chief operating officer at Wheeling Hospital, said the Ogden 20K is a good way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “And when you have an event like this that concentrates on healthy lifestyles that’s a thing we want to be involved with.

“We always want to be involved in community events like this and support what’s going on in the valley. We look forward to being a part of it this year and in years to come.”

The Health Plan sees the event as an Ohio Valley staple.

“It’s a nice event for Wheeling and I’m glad Ogden (Newspapers) was able to pick it up and keep it going,” said The Health Plan’s David Mathieu.

“We’ve been involved in this on and off for the last 30 years.”

United Bank is proud to be a part of the races because they are part of the fabric of the Ohio Valley.

“We’re happy to be a sponsor of such an important event, and to be a part of the community,” said United Bank representative Patty Bozick.

John Reardon of JD&E echoed those sentiments.

“For us to to be in the ground roots and to help give (the race) some seed monies to help with preparations is important to us,” he said. “We’ve been a part of the community for eight decades and we’re proud to be a part of ventures like this.”

Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack will host some of the participants on race weekend.

“We like to get involved in the community and this is one of the events we wanted to support this year,” noted Wayne Soard.

The 32nd annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk gets under way at 4 p.m. Friday, May 23 with the Olympic-style Torch Relay, which will make its way through the community and honor those who have served in all branches of the military.

This will be followed at 6:45 p.m. by the Tiny Tot Trot, at 7 p.m. by the Ogden Fun Run, and at 7:15 p.m. by the Ogden/Masters Mile.

Action steps off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24 with the 20K Walk. The main event — the 20K Run — begins 8 a.m., followed by the 5 Run and Walk at 8:15 a.m.

For more information on the race, visit www.ogden20kclassic.com or call (304) 233-0100 ext. 317.