2021 Recap

Our 2021 race was a blast! We weren't sure how it would feel to split our race into both a morning and evening event, but our participants and volunteers brought their running shoes AND their party shoes and the energy was high all day long! Calvary on 8th held strong with the most participants, but Techno Coat had a huge presence in the morning, Total Trek Quest represented in the afternoon, and the Holland Christian cross country team won the fastest team trophy. Jacob DeBoer was not only the fastest runner of the day, but also wore pink shorts and won the coveted case of toilet paper. Earl's Meats sandwiches and Biggby iced coffee were as delicious as ever, a pair of carrots led the afternoon runners, and freshly picked blueberries never disappoint. We had competitive racers, along with competitive dogs and competitive cheerers, and families that had so much fun in the morning that they came back and did the race again in the afternoon. With a record number of raffle prizes, about a third of our racers and volunteers took home a gift card or prize of some sort. But best of all, participants got to experience the beautiful neighborhood we call home everyday. You can find 2021 race results here and photos of the day here.

There's a pace for everyone at the Heights of Hope 5k and 1.5 Mile Fun Run!

Race competitively or walk with neighbors. Push a stroller, or jog with your favorite flamingo, Flash! Volunteer along the route or at the finish line, or just come and cheer.

Race Director:

Laura, Pam, and Mandy have all been deeply involved with the Heights of Hope 5K since its inception in 2011. Along with a dedicated and enthusiastic race team, they are committed to making this an event that gives you a true glimpse of the beauty of the SOAR community!

After a short stint as a model in the Meijer Home and Garden section, Flash the Flamingo began his career with Heights of Hope as Lead Invasion Specialist during the 2019 Flamingo Relocation Project. Since then, he’s taken some time off in the Calvary basement as he discerned his true calling in life. It turns out, race directing is what makes his feathers flutter! What he lacks in experience or race knowledge, he makes up for in enthusiasm - so this year’s race is sure to be a special one!

After Party:

Stick around after your event to cheer on other racers while enjoying a pulled pork dinner from Earl's Meats and some delicious Biggby iced coffee. (Food and drinks are free for all participants and volunteers. Spectators can pay a small fee for dinner.)

An awards ceremony will take place after the finish of the 1.5 mile race with awards, medals, and many raffle prizes! Must be present or streaming in on Facebook live to win.

Packet Pickup:

4-7pm Friday 8/12 at Calvary on 8th, and before races.

Late Registration:

Online registration closes Thursday, 8/11 at 12pm. Register at packet pick up or on race day from 3-5pm for 5k or 3-6:15pm for 1.5 mile.

Awards:

Awards to the top three in person 5k finishers in each age category and in the stroller division (kid in stroller, adult pushing!) and wheelchair division. Team trophies for fastest team and most participants. Age groups: 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, etc. There will also be an award for the most flamingo-themed participant or group.

T-Shirts:

Register by August 1 to guarantee a t-shirt. Late registrations will receive t-shirts if available.

Price:

Your registration fee supports the work of Heights of Hope in our community. Thank you!

• Individual 5K and 1.5 mile registrations are $25 until July 31 or $30 starting August 1.

• Receive a $5 discount per person for groups or families of 5 or more that pay together.

• Registration for SOAR residents (must live on Stratford, Oxford, Abbey Ct, Country Ln)-$5

Route and Parking:

Both the 5k and 1.5 mile routes begin and end at Calvary Church (995 E 8th Street in the heart of Holland Heights) and wind through the Abbey Court/Stratford Way neighborhood and past the Heights of Hope Community Center. See route maps below. Parking is available on streets not along the race route and down the road at Holland Heights Church. Please plan some extra time to get to the race start.

Virtual Race Instructions:

Fill out the registration form and run or walk YOUR OWN 5k or 1.5 mile route, anywhere in the world between August 10-13. You can pick up your t-shirt and packet at packet pick up or on race day, or request it be shipped or dropped off to you. (There may be additional charges for shipping/drop-off.) Time yourself using the good old fashioned honor system and fill out our Finish Line Form with your time and a finish-line photo by 5pm on August 13 to be included in our raffles. (Virtual racers will not be eligible for awards this year.)

Volunteers:

This race couldn't happen without our dedicated volunteers who ensure things run smoothly and make it an awesome experience for our racers! But we work to make sure our volunteers also have a great time. Volunteers receive also receive a pulled pork meal and Biggby iced coffee, and are registered in our raffle and count towards team totals for awards. Volunteers may request a race t-shirt for $5. Fill out a volunteer registration to join the team!

Sponsors:

A huge THANK YOU to our corporate sponsors!

Gold Sponsors:

Gentex Corporation

Lakeshore Property Management, Inc

MillerKnoll

The Collective by Mary Dykstra, Keller Williams Harbortown

Silver Sponsors:

Crown Motors

DeNooyer Chevrolet

Impact Fab

Techno-Coat Inc.