2026 Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K Celebrates Record-Breaking, Community-Filled Race Day

HOLLAND, Mich. — September 28, 2026 — The 2026 Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K brought an incredible morning of running, community, and celebration to Holland on Saturday, September 26, with over 600 runners taking on the scenic lakeshore courses.

Hosted by Neighbors Plus, Park2Park welcomed runners from across the area to the Ottawa County Fairgrounds before sending them through some of West Michigan’s most beautiful scenery, including Waukazoo Woods, Holland State Park, Tunnel Park, and Lakeshore Drive.

This year’s race also marked a major milestone for the event as Holland local Jayden VanMaurick set a new half marathon course record with a time of 1:11:48.42.

“This year’s Park2Park Half Marathon race, without a doubt, became my best and most memorable athletic performance, and the most fun Half Marathon experience and Half Marathon course I’ve ever ran,” said VanMaurick.

“Thank you so much to each and every person involved in this year’s event for helping make this event a very special memory for me. One that I will hold on to for a very long time.

“And as a Holland resident, having this experience right here in my hometown makes this year’s event and my experience running this year’s race incredibly more special for me and such an incredible blessing to me. To God be the glory, always.”

While the course record provided an exciting highlight, the heart of Park2Park continued to be the people who make race day possible. Hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, community partners, public safety personnel, and supporters came together to create an energetic and welcoming experience for runners throughout the morning.

“Park2Park is such a special day for our community,” said Jessica Lynch, Executive Director of Neighbors Plus. “You can feel the energy from the moment you arrive. It’s runners challenging themselves, families cheering from the sidelines, volunteers giving their time, businesses supporting the event, and our whole community coming together. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s race such an amazing day.”

The Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Neighbors Plus, with proceeds supporting the organization’s work to strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout the Holland area.

But for many participants, Park2Park has become about much more than race day itself.

“It’s become a tradition for people,” Lynch said. “Friends run together, families come out to cheer, volunteers return year after year, and local businesses continue to invest in making the event possible. That is what makes Park2Park so special. It truly belongs to the community.”

From the starting line at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds to the finish line celebrations, the 2026 Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K was a celebration of movement, perseverance, community, and the beautiful place so many runners call home.

The success of Park2Park is made possible by the many people who give their time, resources, and energy to the event. Neighbors Plus extends its gratitude to every runner, volunteer, sponsor, community partner, public safety professional, and spectator who helped make the 2026 Park2Park an unforgettable day.

As the final runners crossed the finish line and the morning came to a close, one thing was clear: Park2Park continues to be more than a race. It is a day when the Holland community comes together to run, cheer, serve, celebrate, and support one another.

About the Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K

The Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K is an annual Holland-area race benefiting Neighbors Plus. The event features scenic courses along the Lake Michigan shoreline and brings together runners, volunteers, businesses, and community members for a day of racing and celebration while supporting the work of Neighbors Plus.

About Neighbors Plus

Neighbors Plus is a Holland-area nonprofit committed to strengthening communities by coming alongside individuals and families through relationships, practical support, and community-based programs. Through initiatives including transitional housing, Kids Hope, Great Escape, the Neighbors Plus Market, and other community partnerships, Neighbors Plus works to help neighbors thrive.

For more information about the Gentex Park2Park Half Marathon & 5K or Neighbors Plus, visit harderwyk.com/neighbors-plus.

Media Contact:
Jessica Lynch
Executive Director, Neighbors Plus
616-928-0303
jessica.lynch@harderwyk.com