+ What is your COVID-19 Safety Plan?

As race day approaches we are putting together our plan to keep runners safe at the event. This safety plan is still evolving as government recommendations and regulations continue to change. Please understand that we cannot eliminate all the risk. This is a public event. These are the safety measures we put in place for our runners this year. Holland Haven Marathon 2K20 Covid Safety Plan

Reduced capacity - We have cut the overall amount of runners in half for 2K20. The registration totals for each race are: Full 300, Half 300, 8K 200.

Masks on buses - All runners riding the bus to the full and half starting lines are required to wear a mask on the bus. Masks for runners - All runners must wear a mask until they enter their starting corral. Runners do not need to wear a mask while running.

Masks for volunteers - All volunteers are required to wear masks during the event.

Starting line corrals - Large corrals are set up at the starting lines to separate runners. Each corral can hold 100 runners and keep them 6’ apart. Runners choose a corral at the starting line based on their running pace. No contact aid stations - Aid stations this year mainly just have water and Gatorade. The cups are filled and set out on tables by volunteers for runners to pick up. Volunteers do not hand runners the cups.

Prepackaged finish line food - Runners receive a boxed lunch upon finishing their race. The boxes are prepackaged and set out on tables by volunteers for runners to pick up. Volunteers do not hand runners the food boxes.

No after party or race expo - By eliminating these gatherings this year we are limiting the exposure of our runners, staff, volunteers and spectators.

+ What's the time limit on the race?

All races will be closed at 2:00 pm. If you are still running after this time, we ask that you get onto the sidewalk since there will be no more course support. You may continue at your own risk.

+ What is the official race t-shirt?

T-shirt is a short-sleeve, technical fabric. They come in Men's and Women's sizes. Order your true size for a training shirt.

+ Are wheelchairs permitted?

No, at this time there is not a division for wheelchairs.

+ Will the miles be marked on the course?

Yes, the miles will be marked on the road or the path at every mile the 8k, half marathon and full marathon distances.

+ Will there be aid stations on the course?

There are Aid Stations located every 2 miles along all race courses. All Aid Stations have water.

For the Full and Half Marathons

Aid Stations no longer have GU and pickle juice There are Aid Stations located every 2 miles along all race courses. All Aid Stations have water.

Every 4 miles Aid Stations have Gatorade. Blueberries are at mile 21-full and mile 8-half Bacon is at mile 24-full and mile 11-half (mile 2.5 for 8K)

Porto-Johns are at miles 0,2,4,6,13,16,18,20,26 for the Full

Porto-Johns are at miles 0,3,5,7,13 for the Half Marathon.

For the 8K Race There are Aid Stations located at miles 1, 2.5, and 4 on the course. All Aid Stations have water. Aid Station 2.5 also has Gatorade and bacon.

+ Will there be portable bathrooms on the course?

Yes, there will be bathrooms at the start and finish as well as on the course at approximately 4-5 mile increments.

+ Can someone else pick-up my packet?

Yes, the party will be required to provide photo ID and the street address for the participant.

+ Are roller skates, inline skates, bikes, strollers or pets allowed to participate in the events?

No. If you are caught on the course with any of these, you will be directed off the course.

+ Are headphones of any kind allowed in the events?

The Holland Haven Marathon strongly discourages the use of headphones. We ask that you not listen to music so that you may safely hear instructions from directors, volunteers, and police; you are able to enjoy the sounds of the events and the runners around you.

For information on volunteering for you or your organization, please visit our Volunteering page.

+ What is the course

The full and half marathons both run along the lakeshore of Lake Michigan. Please see the course maps on the full marathon, half marathon and 8K pages for details.

+ Where is packet pick-up?

Packet Pick Up Information

Runners can pick up their race packets Saturday September 7th from 3-8pm. Packet pick up is located inside the Holland Civic Center at 150 W 8th St.

Race registration for all events is also available at Saturday packet pick up. NO registrations are available on race day.

Additionally, runners may pick up their packets at their respective starting areas on race day.

Full Marathon Packet Pick Up at Rosy Mound School
Half Marathon Packet Pick Up at Camp Geneva
8K Packet Pick Up at Holland Civic Center

+ What are the hours of packet pick-up?

Click here for all packet pick-up information

+ What is the refund policy?

Refunds are not available. See registration for details

+ Can I change races?

Yes. See registration for details.

+ Can I transfer my bib?

Yes. See registration for details.

+ Where should I park?

Parking is available at both starting locations and the finish.
New parking maps coming soon!

+ Is Holland Haven Marathon a Boston Qualifier?

Yes. The marathon course is USATF and Boston certified. USATF Course Cert # MI15041SH

+ How is the race timed?

The race is electronically timed using a timing chip system.

+ Will roads be closed during the race?

One lane of River and Pine avenues will be closed in Holland. All other running will be on bike paths.

+ Will there be pacers?

There are not pacers at this time.

+ My GPS says I ran longer than 13.1/26.2. Are you sure the course is accurate?

Yes. The course was certified by a USATF official. GPS devices are not as accurate as many runners believe. Even if you had a perfectly accurate GPS device, you should expect it to record a distance slightly longer than the official length. When you factor in the crowds and the water stops, it is nearly impossible to run the shortest possible path that the course certifier takes when measuring. In fact, if your GPS ever gives you the precise official length of the race, it is most likely that either your device is off or the course is short.

+ Will an official race photographer be on the course?

Yes, photos will be available for free after the race on our website and facebook page.

+ What will the temperature be on race day?

Average temperatures on September 8th range from 59F to 75F.

+ What will I receive when I cross the finish line?

Everyone who completes the event will receive a finishing medal.

+ Where should my family and friends watch me on the course?

Spectators will be able to watch along most of the race course. We suggest driving to a main intersection of the race course along a side road and parking for spectating. Check out our Spectators page for more info

+ Will there be buses to transport runners?

No, this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to offer shuttles to the starting lines. Please make sure you arrange your own travel for pre and post race.

+ Is gear check available? and how does it work?

Gear/bag check will be available at both starting locations. A bus will be stationed at each start to collect gear and transport it to the finish at the Civic Center. More details will be included in pre-race communications to registered participants.

+ Will there be beer at the after party?

No, for 2020 due to the ongoing issues with COVID-19 there will be no afterparty. We hope to bring it back in 2021!

+ What if I miss the shuttle to the start line?

Unfortunately, we cannot delay the race start for late participants. All shuttles will run on time.

+ Where can I meet my family after the race?

Family members can meet up with runners in the finishers area at Holland Civic Center.

+ What are the age group awards divisions?

The full marathon, half marathon and 8K all have an overall male and female winner along with a masters (40+) male and female winner. Age group divisions for full marathon, half marathon and 8K are 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+ (Additionally there is a 17 and under division for 8K) The top 3 finishers in each male and female division receive awards.

+ Can I walk the race?

The Holland Haven Marathon welcomes walkers in both the 8K and half marathon races.