Bethany Romanek smiled as she crossed the finish line at 1 hour, 51 minutes Saturday during the 31st annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk. Casey Tominack, who finished about 20 minutes later, did the same.

Both runners also are reporters for The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. And neither is a stranger to the distance race.

Romanek, who covers education issues at the newspapers, is part of the “Running Romaneks,” as many road racing fans refer to her family.

“I started running at a young age mainly because of my family,” she said. “My father, John P., and my four older brothers were always running in races so I just followed in their footsteps. Running is an addictive sport. The more you run the better you feel.”

John Romanek has competed in nearly every 20K and also participated in several UPMC City of Pittsburgh Marathons.

“Each year, there is always a member of my family — if not all of us — competing in either the 20K, the 5K or one of the other events. It’s something we have always participated in and enjoyed,” she said.

Romanek prepares for the race by increasing her mileage and trying to focus on hills because “running up 29th Street is not to be taken lightly.”

“To me, running this race is one of the most exciting events of the year,” Romanek said. “I’m just happy to be a part of it and to complete the race. I congratulate all the runners and walkers for their dedication.”

Saturday’s event was her sixth effort in the Wheeling race.

In 200l she recorded her personal best with a time of 1:42, winning the age group award.

Other members of her family in Saturday’s race were her father, her brother Paul and a sister-in-law, Stephanie C.

Tominack made her second appearance in the Ogden 20K on Saturday, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes.

“Last year I told myself that no matter how much I may ache or sweat, there was no way that I was not crossing that finish line. I had that same mentality going into my second year,” she said.

Tominack has a history of fitness and running, including playing soccer for 13 years and being a member of the Wheeling Park High School team that won four consecutive state titles from 1998 through 2001.

“When I was younger, I ran not only because I enjoyed it, but to prepare myself for soccer,” Tominack said. “Running was a great way for me to maintain my fitness level and stamina throughout the year. I continued running throughout college—many miles were ran inside of the WVU Recreation Center during my four years at college.

“Unlike most other sports, in running you are only dependent upon yourself. I know that it is my own discipline that makes me run.”

Tominack spent several years working a race water station before deciding last year to take part in the event.

“I was proud to complete the race in under two hours last year. Although I want to improve my time and set goals for myself each year, I am just proud to participate in such an amazing event.

“I enjoy running alone because I feel more in contact with the world around me. Running has given me a greater sense of pride and independence — as well as commitment, sacrifice and determination. I learn the reality of my physical and mental limitations when I run.”