Photo provided by: derek red
Organizers of the Ogden Newspaper Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine and Health Plan officials oversee the implementation of this year's Tough as Nails Urban Challenge, sponsored by Health Plan. Pictured from left are Eric Anderson, publisher of The Tyler Star News, Wetzel Chronicle, Green Tab, and one of the directors of the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge. Joe Lovell, Special Events Coordinator for Ogden Newspapers' Ohio Valley Publications; David Flatley, Health Plan Marketing Director; and Jeffrey Knight, President and CEO of The Health Plan.
WHEELING — Health Plan President and CEO Jeffrey Knight said his company is sponsoring the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge because of the unique event's overall popularity. He said that he is not the only one giving support. Popularity among The Health Plan's employees is also a driving force.
“I know the events they've been talking about the most are Tough as Nails vs. (Ogden Half Marathon Classic) or something else. That's why we want to sponsor the Urban Challenge. It is.”
The Tough as Nails Urban Challenge, sponsored by The Health Plan, will once again be one of the featured events of the Ogden Newspaper Wellness Weekend, sponsored by WVU Medicine. The Urban Challenge will focus on events starting at noon on Sunday, May 26th.
The weekend itself begins on Saturday, May 25th with the 46th Annual Ogden Newspaper Half Marathon Classic. The half marathon run is scheduled to start at 7:15 a.m. and the half marathon walk is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. His 5K run this weekend will start at 7:45 a.m. on May 25th, and his 5K walk will start at 7:50 a.m.Young people, there will be a fun run on May 25th at 8:30 a.m. and a Tiny Tot Trot at 10:30 a.m.
The Tough as Nails Urban Challenge, sponsored by Health Plan, wasn't Sunday's only big event. The Wheeling Heritage Trail Bike Tour begins the same morning and offers cyclists 100km, 50km and 15km of bike trails. The 100km ride starts at 7am, the 50km ride continues at 8am and the 15km ride starts at 9am
The Tough as Nails Urban Challenge, presented by The Health Plan, is the ultimate test for urban warriors looking to show off their mettle. Participants will take on obstacle after obstacle, overcoming, bypassing, and passing the toughest hurdles, many of which incorporate the history of the city of Wheeling.
Knight said that's one of the biggest draws for his company, and that the course includes many of the elements that make Wheeling so special. Health Plan also plays a role there, making him one of the core businesses in downtown Wheeling.
“I like that it incorporates a lot of the history of downtown Wheeling,” Knight said. “Even people who aren’t from the area get to see a little bit of downtown Wheeling…maybe more than they expected…but I think it makes it prettier.”
“If we can show off a little bit of our past and hopefully our future, I think it's worth holding this event for people to come from afar, not just from this area,” he said. I did.
Eric Anderson, publisher of the Tyler Star-News, Wetzel Chronicle and Green Tab and one of the directors of the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge sponsored by The Health Plan, also shared Knight's excitement about this year's operation. I am.
“This is Tough as Nails’ fourth year, and we plan to add some new obstacles to this year’s event that are sure to test participants,” he said. “This course involves climbing, diving under, and carrying a variety of items, giving participants a full-body workout. Whether participants work alone or as part of a group I feel that even if I work as a member, I can take on the challenge and enjoy it.”
Mr Knight said the constant evolution of the course was also a plus for the event.
“I really think that's one of the things that everyone is looking for,” he said. “What new, sinister wrinkles have they added?”
Organizers of the Ogden Newspaper Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine are pleased to have The Health Plan back as a sponsor of the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge. The company's participation will be a big boost to the weekend overall, they said.
“The Tough as Nails Urban Challenge, sponsored by The Health Plan, is a rare and special event,” said Perry Nardo, general manager of the Intelligencer and Wheeling News Register. said. “Its popularity has only grown over the years and has become a huge anchor for the entire Ogden Newspaper Wellness Weekend hosted by WVU Medicine. We are thrilled that The Health Plan was able to share in the excitement not only of the event, but of the weekend as a whole. The company is a great sponsor of the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge and their continued support of the event will only make this year's event even better, and we are very grateful.”
Registration for all weekend events is now open and can be found at ogdenwellnessweekend.com.
