Hills — runners either love 'em or hate 'em. They'll have their choice in two long races Saturday.

If you like hills, you'll love the 32nd Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic at 8 a.m. Saturday in Wheeling, W.Va.

The 20K's loop course is one of the toughest in the Tri-State area, with a major hill of more than a mile early in the course. The punishing uphill is followed by a two-mile downhill plunge before circling back to WesBanco Arena on the Wheeling riverfront.

A final uphill in the last mile of the race uses the last drops of any remaining energy in the legs of the more than 600 finishers.

This year's race returns to the original course after a three-year diversion to the Heritage Rail Trail. That adds another hill to the middle of the race.

All participants are amply awarded for their 20K efforts. Competitive prizes include $2,000 for overall men and women, and various cash awards for masters, seniors and age group winners.

Cash awards also are given to top finishers in the separate 20K walk that starts at 7:30 a.m., the 20K relay and a more level 5K, which begins at 8:15.

Post-race festivities along the riverfront include a buffet picnic lunch with live music.

If you'd like to challenge yourself on the Ogden Newspapers 20K Run and Walk, take part in Friday evening's one-mile downhill masters mile or Ogden Tiny Tot Trot for ages 5 and under, call 304-233-0100, Ext. 317 or visit www.ogden20k.com. You also can register from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Saturday

If you prefer a smoother course, try Race-A-Palooza Half Marathon in Wolf Pack Park, Lower Burrell, at 7:45 a.m. Saturday.

Race-A-Palooza, which is sponsored by Valley Points YMCA, has something for everyone. A 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and a youth biathlon starts at 10:30 for athletes ages 7 through 12.

Those not interested in competition are welcome to complete a 2K free fun walk anytime between 8 and 11 a.m.

Participants in all Race-A-Palooza events are welcome to register at 7 a.m. Saturday. All youngsters participating in the biathlon must wear a bike helmet for the cycling portion of the event.

For information call 724-335-9191 or email alasure@vpfymca.org

It's official. The Pittsburgh Marathon will be back on May 4, 2009. Although some major and minor details must be worked out, Dick's Sporting Goods. along with Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, announced the race's return at a news conference Monday.Eight Weeks to Fitness Week FourAfter a soggy stretch of weather, the sun is bound to come out. Don't forget to slather on the sunscreen recommended for sports and wear a good pair of sunglasses.• <B>Day 1:</B> Walk 30 minutes.• <B>Day 2:</B> Walk 5 minutes. Run 30 seconds twice, then walk 30 seconds; Run 2 minutes twice, then walk 90 second; run 30 seconds twice, then walk 30 seconds; walk 5 minutes.• <B>Day 3:</B> Repeat Day 1.• <B>Day 4:</B> Walk 5 minutes; run 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds; run 2 minutes, walk 90 seconds; run 2 minutes, walk 60 seconds; run 2 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 2 minutes, walk 5 minutes.• <B>Day 5:</B> Walk 30 minutes or rest.• <B>Day 6:</B> Repeat Day 1.• <B>Day 7:</B> Walk 5 minutes. Run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat for 20 minutes total. Walk 5 minutes.

Friday and Wednesday, 12:15 p.m.: Lunchtime run, Cabot. Run 6 to 7 easy miles with me from St. Luke Church. 724-352-2777 or pneubert@stlukecabot.orgSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Run from 7 to 20 miles. Leaves from Lt. Stone Field.Monday, 9 a.m.: St. Titus 5K, Alliquippa. 724-375-7940 or rpontis@verizon.netMay 31, 8 a.m.: Darlington Derby 5K, Darlington. 724-847-2682 or harrington42@comcast.netMay 31, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K Run-Walk, Freeport. N3wav@aol.comJune 1, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide, Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. 412-422-8885June 7, 9 A.M.: UMDF One Step Closer to a Cure 5K Run and Mile Walk, North Park. 412-793-6477 or www.umdf.org/pittsburghraceJune 7, noon: Buffalo Stampede Trail Run, Freeport. Choice of 25K, 14 miles, 4.6 miles on rugged trail; post-run barbeque with live music. 814-397-4316 or www.americanadventuresports.comJune 14, 5:30 a.m.: Laurel Highlands Ultra, Ohiopyle. Point-to-point 70.5 miles on rugged Laurel Highlands Trail. Also 50K at 8 a.m. Rick.freeman1@verizon.netJune 14, 9 A.M.: Parkinson Awareness Memorial 5K Race and Walk, Uniontown. 412-629-9292 or www.jerrymahermemorial5k.comJune 14, 8:30 a.m.: Greater Clarksburg 10K, Clarksburg, W.Va. Also 2-mile run-walk and kids kilometer. 304-624-4100 or www.greaterclarksburg10k.orgSend comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.