After two years of Covid altering the format of our race, it was so good to all be back together again in one evening race! 2022 was not only the first ever 5k directed by a flamingo, but also the first year we've ever had cold and rainy weather. Despite a delay for lightening, which led to some early raffle prize drawings and an impromptu REFIT dance party in the gym, spirits were high all evening. And how could they not be? We had a record number of "road warriors" out on the course cheering people along, flamingos lining Stratford Way and Abbey Ct, a record number of raffle prizes (143!!!) including the coveted giant case of toilet paper, the best Earl's Meats sandwiches, Biggby iced coffee and hand-picked blueberries, so many flamingo-themed racers and volunteers, and the best community showing up to support Heights of Hope.
While we celebrated everyone who crossed the finish line, the most noteworthy performance was from three-time 5k champion Jacob DeBoer who not only won wearing his signature (and Flash-the-Flamingo-approved) pink shorts, but also set a course record.
Calvary on 8th held strong with the most participants, but some of our other partner churches (Holland Heights Church and Niekerk CRC) showed up in great numbers and great energy. Flash also recognized some of his favorite performances with trophies for the best flamingo spirit (Dana and Ella Hondred) and the most enthusiastic Road Warrior group (the Tracy, Gorno, and Travis families)!
We hope you'll join us for next year's race and find other ways to get involved with Heights of Hope between now and then!
Thanks again to our 2022 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.