Join us for the 15th annual 5k and 1.5 Mile Fun Run
Saturday evening, August 9, 2025!
2025 Race Info
Get ready to race down the Rainbow Trail and past the Peppermint Forest at the 2025 Candyland-Themed Heights of Hope 5k and 1.5 Mile Fun Run! Whether you’re aiming to be first to King Kandy's Castle or are just skipping past the Chocolate Swamp with friends, neighbors or our beloved mascot, Flash the Flamingo, there’s a pace (and a treat!) for everyone at this race.
Race Times:
🍭 5k - 5:30pm
🍬 1.5 Mile - 6:30pm
Sweet After Party:
The HOH 5k is more than just a race—it's a full-blown block party! After your race, stay to cheer others on while enjoying a pulled pork sandwich from Earl's Meats, fresh, hand-picked blueberries, delicious Biggby iced coffee, and a sweet treat from the Holland Police Department’s Polar Patrol ice cream truck. (Food and drinks are complimentary for participants and volunteers. Spectators can enjoy dinner for a small fee.)
Awards Ceremony:
Don’t miss our Awards Ceremony following the 1.5 Mile race! There’ll be awards and raffle prizes. We’ll celebrate our top racers, most spirited costumes, and the magical volunteers who bring the Candy Kingdom to life (and make sure everyone is playing by the rules)! You must be present to win raffle prizes—but trust us, you’ll want to be!
Race Check-In:
Pick up your bibs, t-shirts, and race goodies during check-in from 4–7pm on Friday, 8/8, at Calvary on 8th or just before your race begins on Saturday.
Online Registration Deadline:
Register online by Thursday, 8/7 at 12pm to reserve your spot on the Rainbow Trail! On-site registration is available Friday during check-in and on race day from 3–5:15pm for the 5k and 3–6:30pm for the 1.5 mile.
T-Shirts:
Register by July 27 to guarantee your exclusive, sweet-themed race t-shirt!
Pricing:
Your registration fee supports the work of Heights of Hope in our community. Thank you!
5k & 1.5 Mile: $30 through July 27, then $35
SOAR residents: $15
Discounts:
$5 off per person for groups/families of 5+ that register and pay together
$5 off if you opt out of a t-shirt by July 27 (but they’re so sweet, you’ll probably want one)
Awards Galore:
Awards go to the top 3 finishers in each age/gender category for the in-person 5k, including stroller and wheelchair divisions!
Age groups: 6 and under, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, and so on
Team trophies for Fastest Team and Most Participants
Special awards for our top-costumed racers and the most spirited volunteer "Road Warrior" station
1.5 Mile Race:
This event isn’t timed and has no speed awards, but everyone gets a finisher’s lollipop to celebrate their victory in Candy Land!
Route & Parking:
Both races start and end at Calvary Church (995 E 8th Street) and wind through the Abbey Court/Stratford Way neighborhood past the Heights of Hope Community Center. You may even pass some sweet stops like Grandma Nut’s House, the Peppermint Forest, or even Licorice Lagoon. See the race map below. Parking is available on nearby streets that are not on the race route and at Holland Heights Church. Please plan some extra time to get to the race start. We wouldn't want you to miss out on the pre-race excitement!
Volunteers:
Join our amazing crew of volunteers who will help make this magical day possible! Volunteers enjoy pulled pork, Biggby coffee, a raffle entry, and count toward team awards. Top volunteer corner wins the coveted Road Warrior Trophy for best theme and energy! Volunteer t-shirts available for $10. Sign up through our volunteer registration form.
Dog Policy:
Dogs are welcome, but please follow these guidelines—
Must be vaccinated, neutered, well-behaved, and on a 6 ft (or shorter) leash
One dog per adult
Stay to the sides or back of the starting chute
No children walking dogs
And of course, dogs must play nice with people, other dogs, and candy-themed decorations!
Virtual Race Option:
Can’t join us in Holland? Run, walk, or candy-dash virtually from wherever you are! Race essentials can be shipped or dropped off by arrangement.
Individual and Corporate Sponsors:
Interested in supporting this sweet community tradition? Sponsor a racer for $15, provide our buns or chips, or encourage your business to be a corporate sponsor. We offer corporate perks like free entries, advertising on shirts and signage, and more. Find sponsorship details and registration info here.
