Runner Testimonials
I was really impressed with the organization of the race. I've done big major city ones, and all sorts in between, and this was nicely done. Communication leading up to was perfect, water every 2 miles is great, and the post race open to everyone is a nice touch. Would definitely recommend to others! ~ 2017
It is a fantastic trio of race distances. The feature a small (but growing) field that isn’t too crowded at any point other than the start and even that isn’t really crowded. I like to think of the races as the best of what Holland has to offer. A wonderful course that runs along the shores of Lake Michigan providing a flat, shady route (blueberry and bacon aid stations!). Food and drink from local companies for the after party, which also has stuff to do for the whole family. A charity partner (Camp Geneva) whose camp is on the marathon and half marathon course. ~ 2018
This was my first experience running in the Holland Haven Marathon. I did the 8K and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the race. I also wanted to say how much you are your staff/volunteers were appreciated. You all did a fabulous job. The communication via email was impressive to say the least. All of my questions/concerns were answered and I knew exactly what to expect. Everyone was helpful and friendly on race day. One of the most organized races I have ever participated in. Thanks again for a job well done! ~ 2019
I just got the email with all the post race info! I would like to applaud you for sure, while I’m sure you had lots of help organizing this race it definitely seems like you know your stuff when it comes to organizing events! The Holland Haven was an absolute hit, I destroyed my PR, and I met lots of wonderful people when I ran your race! Thank you very much for putting on such a great event in such a great place! ~ 2019
Thank you for a wonderful marathon. I have run a marathon in all 50 states and have completed over 130 marathons. Your marathon is one of the best run marathons that I have ever run. Great water stops and plenty of port-a-potties! Friendly volunteers and great communications from you. Awesome medal and shaded course. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to run your marathon! ~ 2020
I wanted to extend a huge thank you for all your efforts to create a great race experience! It was so well run, despite all the challenges that this year brought. Staff were helpful and friendly, and the course was just beautiful! It was truly a gift to be able to run an actual marathon this fall and I can't thank you enough. ~ 2020
A very simple, yet powerful appreciation for all you did to make our 1st running of the Holland Haven Marathon a memorable event. Thank you. Also, many thanks to all the volunteers, as without them we also could not of made it to the finish line. And the police did a tremendous job insuring our safety. Thanks again for the countless hours you put in, and never taking no for an answer, to make the Holland Haven Marathon a reality this year. ~ 2020
I just wanted to say thank you for putting on a great race today! I ran the half marathon for the first time (my family’s first time to Holland as well) and will definitely recommend the race to others. What stuck out to me was the friendliness and encouragement of the volunteers. It always makes a race more pleasant when the volunteers are so engaged!It takes so much hard work, time, and careful planning to pull off races like this, so please know your work is greatly appreciated! ~ 2021
What a great day and great race. Thank you for all the emails leading up to it, and for the organization and logistics. I ran the half marathon and it was a great experience. Blueberries along the course were definitely the highlight. All the best and congratulations on putting on a great race. ~ 2021
I just wanted to put a shout out to you for making my 1st Full Marathon such an AMAZING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE. With having Race Joy so my family could monitor my progress and meet me at different places along the Marathon to cheer me on, to all the water/gatorade stops on the course and for having so many volunteers and police on the course. Thanks for a truly amazing day. Thank you for all you do to put on an amazing race day experience!!! ~ 2021
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to you, your staff, and your volunteers. I’m extremely grateful to you all for these reasons.
1. You all worked really hard to make sure that the 2020 Holland Haven marathon/half marathon/8k event went on in spite of almost every other running event being canceled. I set a goal in February of 2020 to run a half marathon in the summer or fall of 2020 (I had never run over 6 miles before). Then covid hit and I had a hard time finding one in Michigan that was not canceled or virtual. Thankfully I found the Holland Haven Marathon! I ran the HH half marathon and really enjoyed the whole experience. 2. After completing the half, I heard about this thing called the Trifecta Medal. I immediately thought there was no was way I would ever be able to earn that as I could NOT imagine nor had I ever dreamed of running a marathon. As time went on and winter passed, my thoughts started to turn toward earning that Trifecta, and running the Holland Haven Full. I did research and read books and talked to other marathon runners. Over time, I reluctantly decided to go for it. In Sept of 2021, I completed the full! Never in my life did I ever think I could do that! The experience was surreal and truly life changing! 3. Fast forward to Sept 2022, I ran the 8k and earned that darn trifecta! I’m so happy that the Trifecta is a thing! It inspired a person like me (who still considers herself a non-runner) to set loftier goals, to work harder than I ever have before, and to just go for it. I’m so thankful! Keep up the great work— your event impacts people in real and positive ways— I’m proof of that. - 2022
I ran the Holland Haven HM 2023 and absolutely loved the race. This was my first time running this race and everything from parking to bussing to the course to race to the post-race events were all meticulously planned and brilliantly organized. I have run 2 other half marathons so far and this by far was the best. Kudos to the whole team that worked behind this event!!!! - 2023
I ran the Holland Haven 8K race last Sunday. Let me just say, it was such a joy and privilege to have been able to participate. The lead-up to the event and the event itself was well worth it and I enjoyed and relished every moment of it from the start of the race to the crossing of the finish line. I will most assuredly be participating in the 1/2 marathon race next year and the full marathon the following year after that. - 2023
I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know how impressed I was with the Holland Haven Marathon. It was marathon number 19 for me and a PR at 3:19. It was my first Holland Haven. The level of detail and intentionality that you put into making sure this race runs smoothly is evident. Everything went great, from an on-time start to the buses transporting efficiently to the start line. The water stations were as advertised and the food at the later stops was greatly appreciated. I also loved that the course wasn't crowded and avoided a bunch of turns, meaning I didn't have to run much further than the 26.2 miles to get to the finish. That definitely helped me achieve a PR! And a special thank you for using sustainable cups at water stops. - 2023
