Wheeling updates traffic plans headed into Wellness Weekend

EVENT NEARS — Runners head through the city during a previous Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic. Wheeling has updated weekend traffic information for those driving during the Half Marathon and the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge presented by the Health Plan. — File photo

WHEELING — The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine will bring thousands into downtown Wheeling and beyond on Saturday and Sunday, and Wheeling city officials are reminding those traveling around the city this weekend to be aware of those participating.

Saturday’s Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic will take runners through several Wheeling neighborhoods, while Sunday’s Tough as Nails Urban Challenge presented by the Health Plan will send contestants around, over and through various obstacles in the areas of downtown and Center Wheeling.

On Saturday, the half-marathon walkers will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the runners following at 8 a.m. The race will last until roughly noon.

This year, the course will be changed slightly due to construction. In downtown, the course will use parts of 14th Street, Jacob Street and 16th Street. In South Wheeling, the race will extend one block to 38th Street.

At 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Wheeling Police will start clearing the course of any vehicles parked in a posted “No Parking” area. Vehicles will be towed if not properly moved in time for the race. These areas will be marked with signage.

No parking areas that will be strictly enforced are the Elm Grove Business District, Fulton area, parts of downtown and center/south Wheeling. Parking will be permitted once the race fully concludes late Saturday morning.

The Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority’s downtown bus stop for pickup and drop-off will relocate Saturday morning to Market Street between 11th & 12th Streets.

While spectators are encouraged to be involved and cheer on participants, those in the downtown area are being asked to park in the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center, located at 1401 Main St. Access will only be available from the Main Street entrance.

The WPD advises not traveling along the race route unless necessary, but those who need to are urged to go below the posted speed limit and be extra cautious of those running or walking. Wheeling Police officers will be stationed at most major intersections for traffic control. Drivers are advised to watch for coned-off lanes in various areas and look for participants on the right side of the road.

Should rain occur, motorists are advised to reduce their speed and to watch for walkers and runners.

On Sunday, various road closures and delays will take place in the downtown and center Wheeling area for the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge. Events will begin around noon and last until roughly 5 p.m.

The city will prepare for the race in the Fulton area from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. City operations will be sweeping National Road from Mount deChantal Road to McColloch Street. This area will be marked with signage. Once completed, motorists can park on the road. Parking is permitted all day and evening Friday throughout the entire course.