Just like a NASCAR driver needs the combined knowledge and skills of a whole host of team members to put him in the lead, the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic could not run such a successful race without the dedicated support of the employees of its flagship papers, The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register.

From securing sponsors and printing promotional materials to providing unprecedented race-day coverage and manning aid stations, the employees are an integral part of the 20K Classic team.

“Everyone at the newspaper in one way or another has contributed to the success of this race,” said Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “Without the employees, it would be impossible to pull it off.”

Retail advertising manager Mark Ridgely is the new assistant race director, coordinating all sponsorships and promotions for the race, which includes events on Friday, May 27 ,and Saturday, May 28.

He noted the unique position the newspaper is in to sponsor a world-class event such as the 20K Classic, which brings hundreds of visitors to the Wheeling area.

“We have been a part of this community for 152 years and this is such an important event for the Wheeling community. The newspaper is a perfect fit for this event because we have all the resources at our fingertips to spread the word about the race and get the information to the public in a timely manner,’’ Ridgely said.

Employees process all race applications; design and distribute advertisements and other promotional materials; organize the Tiny Tot Trot; order all race merchandise, such as hats, jackets and shirts; and write dozens of articles leading up to and following the race.

‘‘And they do all these things while maintaining the pace it takes to produce a daily newspaper,’’ Nardo said.

Executive editor J. Michael Myer said the news staff ‘‘pulls out all of the stops’’ to cover the race.

‘‘All of our photographers and the entire sports staff will be working the day of the race, and several reporters will be looking for human interest stories. We try to do something really special for the race because the race is really special for the community,’’ Myer said.

In addition, employees, along with many their family members, will volunteer to run the final aid station of the 20K race, handing out ice, water and Gatorade and offering words of encouragement to runners and walkers with one mile to go to the finish line. A water station for the 5K race will be manned by an employee, his family and the Rainbow for Girls group in which they are involved.

‘‘Our employees take the time to volunteer both because they want the race to be a success and simply because it’s fun to be involved,’’ Myer said.

For the second year, employees also will sponsor a bake sale in the lobby of WesBanco Arena, providing muffins, cookies, trail mix and other grab-and-go goodies for race participants and their supporters on both Friday and Saturday. One hundred percent of the bake sale proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society through the employees’ Ohio County Relay for Life team.

‘‘I think it’s wonderful that the employees have pitched in and taken ownership of the race by running the water stations and sponsoring a bake sale. They are constantly looking at ways to give back to the community,’’ Nardo said.