2025 Holland Haven Marathon

FAQ

What's the time limit on the race? Full Marathon 6.5 hours, Half Marathon 6 hours, 8K 5.5 hours 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. All courses close at 2pm EST

What is the official race t-shirt? The Race T-shirt is a short-sleeve, 50/50 blend fabric. They come in Men's and Women's sizes. Women's sizes are smaller than normal.

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 are marked on the road or the path at every mile for 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
Every 4 miles Aid Stations have Gatorade.
Blueberries are at mile 20-full and mile 7-half
Porto-Johns are available for the Full and Half Marathon.

For the 8K Race
There is an Aid Station located at mile 2.5 on the course.
The Aid Station has water and Gatorade

Will there be portable bathrooms on the course? Yes, Full Marathon at 0,3,8,10,13,16,20,22,26 - Half Marathon at 0,3,7,9,13 - 8K Start/Finish

Can I bring my own hydration? Yes, hydration vests are allowed along with portable water bottles, gels or any other type of nutrition runners need to carry.

Can someone else pick-up my packet? Yes, the party will be required to provide the bib number for the participant. See Packet Pick Up

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. NO pets allowed!

Are headphones or ear buds allowed in the events? The Holland Haven Marathon strongly discourages the use of headphones and ear buds but they are not forbidden. For your own safety, 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.

I'm interested in volunteering, how can I sign up? 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. The 8K Race is an out-and-back. Please see the course maps on the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K Race pages for details.

Where and when is packet pick-up?
Runners can pick up their race packets Saturday September 6th from 2-6pm. At Gazelle Sports Holland. See Packet-pickup for more details - Additionally, runners may pick up their packets at their respective starting areas on race day. - NO registrations are available on race day.

What is the refund policy?Refunds are not available for any reason.

Can I change races? Yes. You may transfer your Holland Haven race entry to a different distance through 9/6/25 if it is not sold out See Event Transfer for details.

Can I transfer my bib? Yes. You may transfer your Holland Haven race entry to another runner for $25. Last day to transfer your bib to another runner is 9/6/25. See Bib Exchange for details.

Can I defer to next year? Yes. Race entries can be deferred from 2025 to 2026 by paying the deferral fee up until 9/6/25. See Race Deferral for details.

Can I get my race entry fee back through referrals? YES! Runners, earn back your race entry fee by referring your friends. You could end up running for FREE! See Referrals Discounts for details

Where should I park? FREE Parking is available at both starting locations and the finish. Full and half marathon starts have parking lots available to park in. The Finish Area in Holland has free street parking available on River Ave, Central Ave, College Ave, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th streets. See Parking Maps

Is Holland Haven Marathon a Boston Qualifier? Yes. For 2026 - The marathon course is USATF and Boston certified. 3 to 4 dozen runners BQ at HHM each year.

Will roads be closed during the race? One lane of Pine avenue is closed in Holland for the final half mile up to the finish. All other running will be on bike paths. Full Route. Half Route. 8K Route

Will there be pacers? There are not pacers at this event.

Will an official race photographer be on the course? Yes, photos are available for free after the race on our RunSignUp Page and Facebook page.

What will the temperature be on race day? Average temperatures on September 7th range from 59F to 75F.

What will I receive when I cross the finish line? Everyone who completes the marathon, half marathon or 8K receives a finishing medal plus recovery food and beverages.

Where should my family and friends watch me on the course?Please find the nearest side street or parking lot to park then walk back to the course to cheer on your runners. Do not pull on to the shoulder and block traffic. See Spectator Info

Will there be buses to transport runners? Yes, buses transport full and half marathon runners to their start areas before the race. See BUSSING for details

Is gear check available and how does it work? Gear/bag check is available at all starting locations. A bus is stationed at each start to collect gear and transport it to the finish area. See Gear Check. More details are included in pre-race communications to registered participants.

Will there be beer in the Recovery Zone? YES. Absolutely. Each runner has a beverage ticket on their bib for one free beer/adult beverage. Adult beverages are for sale as well.

Where can I meet my family after the race? Family members can meet up with runners in the finisher Recovery Zone

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, 70-74, 75+ (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. Not the full marathon.

Can I earn the Trifecta medal by running one of the distances as a virtual run? No, to keep the integrity of the Trifecta Medal, all runners earning the coveted medal must actually run at Holland Haven in person. Earn the Trifecta Medal by completing the full marathon, half marathon and 8K races. Races can be completed in any order and over any number of years in between.

Are showers available for runners at the end of the race. No, not this year

When does online registration close?
Online registration closes on Saturday September 6, 2025 at 6PM.

If I can’t make it to Packet Pick-Up on Saturday night, may I pick up by bib earlier? May I have my bib mailed to me?
Sorry, we do not mail out bibs. If you are unable to make it to Packet Pick-Up on Saturday night, please come to Packet Pick-Up on race day morning

Are the courses USATF certified?
Yes. Our full and half marathon courses are USATF certified

How is the event timed?
The Holland Haven Marathon is scored by Ignite Your Event. The run will be chip-timed and the timing chip will be integrated into your bib. Please wear your bib on the front of your outside shirt during the entire race. Results are immediately available online and through RaceJoy.

Will there be medical assistance available?
There is a medic tent located at the finish line, multiple staff nurses on call out on the course, along with minor first aid throughout the course at aid stations.