Howard Long Wellness Center Hosts Third Annual Indoor Triathlon

The fitness event will raise funds for the hospital's Good Samaritan Fund to assist underprivileged patients with emergency room costs.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:33am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structures and musculature of a person engaged in the three disciplines of a triathlon - swimming, cycling, and running - against a dark background, conceptually representing the physical exertion and athletic nature of the event.An indoor triathlon event raises funds to assist underprivileged patients with emergency room costs in the Wheeling community.Wheeling Today

The Howard Long Wellness Center in Wheeling, West Virginia is hosting its third annual indoor triathlon on April 11, 2026. The event consists of a 10-minute swim, 30-minute stationary bike ride, and 20-minute treadmill run, with proceeds benefiting the hospital's Good Samaritan Fund to help low-income patients cover emergency room expenses.

Why it matters

The Good Samaritan Fund provides vital financial assistance to Wheeling residents who struggle to afford emergency medical care, as nearly 1 in 5 in the county live below the poverty line. The indoor triathlon is an important fundraiser to replenish the fund after it was on hiatus during the pandemic.

The details

The indoor triathlon has had a successful turnout the past two years, with Wellness Center director Joe Slavik anticipating another great event. Registration is open until April 8 with a capacity of 68 participants ages 13 and up. Times will be recorded for each event and winners announced in age categories. The Wellness Center recently underwent renovations to expand group fitness space and add new features like a golf simulator.

  • The third annual indoor triathlon will be held on April 11, 2026.
  • Registration for the event ends on April 8, 2026.

The players

Joe Slavik

The director of the Howard Long Wellness Center.

Howard Long

A prominent Wheeling businessman and philanthropist who donated $1 million to open the Wellness Center in 1994 and another large donation in 2025 to fund renovations.

Auxiliary of Wheeling Hospital

Provided a $10,000 grant in 2024 to help reinstate the Good Samaritan Fund after it was on hiatus during the pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“This is our third Indoor Triathlon event, and the past two years have gone really well. The participants have a lot of fun and our staff really enjoy the energy the participants create as they compete against one another and themselves.”

— Joe Slavik, Wellness Center director

“Proceeds are used for community members who are in need of financial support after ER visits for out-of-pocket expenses.”

— Joe Slavik, Wellness Center director

What’s next

Registration for the indoor triathlon ends on April 8, 2026. The event will take place on April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The Howard Long Wellness Center's indoor triathlon is an important annual fundraiser that supports the hospital's Good Samaritan Fund, which provides financial assistance to low-income Wheeling residents who struggle to afford emergency medical care. The event promotes health and wellness in the community while also addressing a critical need.