What Can Wheeling Learn From the World’s Best Runners?
On my bucket list is to one day run—and finish—the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon in Wheeling, a race that’s as much a test of grit as it is a celebration of the city’s spirit.
Also on my bucket list? Meeting Norwegian distance running superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen, whose discipline and dominance on the track have inspired runners across the globe—including me. My competitive running days came and went during my time at Wheeling Park High School, but my passion for the sport has only grown. Whether it’s watching professionals race or logging a few miles on the Wellness Center treadmill, running continues to shape how I view challenges, both on and off the road.
As distance running experiences a global renaissance, Wheeling is perfectly positioned to reflect on its past successes, harness its unique geography, and take bold steps to reclaim its place in the sport’s future.
(INSERT PHOTO OF THE FIRST DISTANCE RACE)
(Caption: The First Running of the Elby’s Distance Race in 1977, the predecessor to the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon, which became the sponsor in 2000. Photo Courtesy of the Ohio County Public Library.)
The Storied History of the Ogden Half Marathon
Once a beacon for endurance athletes, Wheeling’s Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon was hailed by Runner’s World Magazine as the “Toughest Half Marathon in the United States.” With its steep hills, winding roads, and scenic views, the course offered not only a unique challenge but also a showcase of Wheeling’s natural beauty.
The event began in 1977 as the Elby’s Wheeling Distance Race, a 20-kilometer competition created to capitalize on the running boom of the 1970s. During its early years, the race brought some of America’s most legendary runners to Wheeling’s streets. Olympians like Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers—the latter a three-time champion of the race—competed on its challenging course. Rodgers, who famously raced alongside Steve Prefontaine, became a major figure in popularizing distance running in the United States.
In 2010, the race officially transitioned to a half marathon (21.1 kilometers), a distance that appealed to a wider audience while maintaining the event’s reputation for toughness. Its hallmark hills and picturesque streets earned it accolades as one of the most challenging courses in the nation.
However, as the years went on, participation from elite runners dwindled. Changing priorities and a focus on local participation shifted the event’s identity, and the race’s prominence on the national stage began to fade.
Despite these changes, the Ogden Half Marathon remains an enduring symbol of Wheeling’s athletic spirit. Local runners have kept the tradition alive, with many considering it a rite of passage. Brenden Sands, a Wheeling Park and West Liberty University alumnus, became the 2022 champion of the Ogden Half Marathon, marking only the second time a Wheeling native has claimed victory in the event’s history.
“I learned the roads of Wheeling over the many miles I spent training there,” he said.
Sands, who has raced in road races across the United States and now lives in Flagstaff, AZ describes the difference in racing the Ogden compared to other races:
“Those roads and hills are special to me because they are home, and that feeling made running the Ogden even more meaningful.”
Today, the Ogden Half Marathon stands at a crossroads. While it continues to draw dedicated participants and local supporters, the race has yet to recapture the national prominence it once held. However, with renewed focus and investment, it has the potential to shine once again as a premier event.
The Global Resurgence of Distance Running
In the 1970s, runners like Shorter, Rodgers, and Prefontaine ignited a running boom in the United States. Shorter’s Olympic gold in the marathon at the 1972 Munich Games paired with Prefontaine’s charisma and Rodgers’ dominance in road racing, helped make distance running a cultural phenomenon.
Over the ensuing decades, distance running’s dominance shifted with African athletes emerging as the world’s best. Legends like Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, and Eliud Kipchoge redefined the sport, setting records and inspiring awe on the global stage. Meanwhile, the visibility of American distance running declined with fewer high-profile events and stars capturing the public’s imagination.
Recently, however, distance running has experienced a remarkable resurgence, drawing global audiences and sparking fresh excitement in the sport. Events like the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, have captivated fans, showcasing new rivalries and record-breaking performances. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen (pronounced YAH-kob IN-geh-brit-sen), Britain’s Josh Kerr, and Americans like Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse have emerged as household names, propelling the sport to new heights.
Ingebrigtsen, a 24-year-old Norwegian sensation, has been at the forefront of this revival. First making headlines with his stunning gold medal victory in the 1500m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Ingebrigtsen has since solidified his status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history. His achievements include gold in the 5000m at the 2024 Paris Games, a world record in the 3000m, and his stated ambition to challenge records from the 1500m to the marathon.
Ingebrigtsen’s rivalry with Britain’s Josh Kerr has added further drama to the sport. Kerr, who stunned the world by defeating Ingebrigtsen for the 1500m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has become a symbol of fierce competition and determination. Meanwhile, the United States has seen its own resurgence in distance running, led by stars like Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse.
Beyond individual performances, technology and media have played a key role in the sport’s revival. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram have enabled runners to share their training journeys and competitions with a global audience. Sands emphasizes the impact of this shift. “Media coverage and content creation have exploded in recent years, making running more accessible and exciting for fans,” Sands says. “It’s had a huge impact on the sport’s popularity.”
Athletes like Ingebrigtsen and events like the Paris Olympics show how investments in distance running can elevate not just athletes but entire communities. Sands sees similar potential in Wheeling.
A Community Built on Cross Country
Wheeling’s high school cross country program has long played a vital role in fostering the city’s running culture. Schools like Wheeling Park and Wheeling Central have produced talented athletes while also instilling a lifelong love for the sport. These programs introduce young athletes to the discipline, camaraderie, and joy that running provides.
Ricky Moore, a former Ogden Half Marathon runner and now the coach of Wheeling Park’s cross country program, emphasizes the unique advantages that Wheeling’s terrain provides young runners.
“The hills of Wheeling and the Ohio Valley provide the athletes in this area an excellent training environment to be successful,” Moore says. “The hills here are certainly a great tool to help build strength, endurance, speed, and toughness.”
These programs do more than produce athletes—they create lifelong runners who embrace Wheeling’s hills, trails, and roads long after they leave the competitive track. Moore describes the running community as “incredibly tight knit,” where runners of all abilities find support and camaraderie.
Elevating the Ogden Half Marathon
The Ogden Half Marathon remains a cornerstone of Wheeling’s running identity, but its potential has yet to be fully realized. Once known for attracting elite talent and hosting memorable competitions, the event now stands at a crossroads, offering an opportunity to reclaim its place as a premier destination for runners from across the country.
Sands, the 2022 Ogden Half Marathon champion and a Wheeling native, believes the event could regain its national prominence with thoughtful investment and planning.
“Road racing is insane, and the amount of work coordinators put into it is top tier,” Sands said. “I found that out after running the U.S. 20K Championships this year and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. Those races really put it into perspective for me. The Ogden can still achieve that, but the other thing is that the place has to be somewhat desirable.”
To elevate the Ogden Half Marathon, Wheeling could adopt strategies seen in other successful races across the country. These include offering prize money to attract elite runners, partnering with major sponsors to boost visibility, and covering travel and lodging costs for top athletes to encourage participation.
Additionally, enhancing the race expo experience and building out complementary events like family fun runs, youth races, and trail challenges could make the race weekend feel like a community-wide celebration.
Moore, a former Ogden Half Marathon runner himself, emphasizes the significance for the Wheeling community.
“Events like the Ogden are a great way to show off what Wheeling has to offer,” Moore said. “It’s not just about the race—it’s about creating an experience that brings people back year after year. You have to engage the community while also offering something unique and exciting for runners from outside the area.”
Another approach could be to create a distinct elite competition, allowing top-level athletes to compete in a separate category while preserving the race’s local and amateur-friendly atmosphere. This would draw national and international attention to the race while maintaining its inclusive community spirit.
Sands highlights how important it is to connect the event to Wheeling’s identity.
“The Ogden’s hills are what make it unique. If the race leans into that challenge and markets it as one of the toughest, runners will come because they want to test themselves.”
In addition to attracting top-tier athletes, engaging the local community is crucial to the race’s success. Offering group discounts, organizing training programs leading up to the event, and hosting pre-race social runs could strengthen connections between the race and Wheeling’s residents. Expanding partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations could also increase participation and enthusiasm for the event.
Moreover, the Ogden Half Marathon has a unique opportunity to embrace its history as the “Toughest Half Marathon in the United States” as a marketing angle.
By highlighting its iconic hills and challenging course, the race could draw runners who are eager to test their endurance on one of the most demanding routes in the country. This would set the Ogden apart from other races and position it as a must-run event for serious competitors and recreational runners alike.
Maybe, one day, Wheeling could even draw international stars like Jakob Ingebrigtsen to compete—a dream of mine that, while ambitious, could symbolize the race’s potential to reach new heights. The Ogden has all the ingredients to return to prominence: a challenging course, a supportive community, and a deep connection to the city’s identity.
With the right vision and investment, this iconic race could inspire not only Wheeling’s runners but also the broader running community.
The Path Forward: Building a Running Culture in Wheeling
Revitalizing Wheeling’s distance running culture will require a community-wide effort. Investments in trail maintenance, running infrastructure, and creative event planning could transform Wheeling into a year-round destination for runners of all abilities.
Mayor Denny Magruder recognizes the value of these initiatives.
“The Ogden Half Marathon has showcased our city and its amazing people to many around the country and even the world,” he said. “Events like the half marathon and our great outdoor spaces add greatly to our quality of life. Those assets help make Wheeling a place where people want to live.”
But running culture is about more than just one race. With its natural beauty and historic charm, Wheeling has all the tools to build a vibrant running community that attracts participants and spectators. Expanding beyond the Ogden Half Marathon with fun runs, trail races, and youth programs could create a full calendar of events.
While Wheeling may never become “Track Town USA,” it has the chance to carve out a unique identity. Its challenging terrain, passionate community, and deep-rooted connection to running make it an ideal candidate to become a regional hub for the sport.
By embracing its natural strengths and fostering a culture of camaraderie, Wheeling can attract runners from near and far. With determination and vision, the city can lead the way in the global resurgence of distance running—and make its mark as a place where runners thrive.