For Immediate Release

January 16, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Kara de Alvare

Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Holland

150 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423

616.796.0472 | k.dealvare@cityofholland.com

www.downtownholland.com 

Register Today for the Second Annual Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K Fun Run in Downtown Holland

Holland, MI – Downtown Holland and Holland Parks and Recreation are excited to announce the return of the Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K race, being held on Saturday, February 8 as part of Downtown Holland’s two-day Holland on Ice event. The entire 5K course for this second annual fun run/walk will take advantage of Downtown Holland’s snowmelt system, allowing racers a rare opportunity to compete in a winter race without worrying about snow and ice along their route.

“The Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K is a great opportunity for local families to get outside and get active this winter,” said Kemri Hilton, Holland Parks and Recreation Coordinator. “Racers can take advantage of Downtown Holland’s heated sidewalks, which provide a safe and hazard-free course, while also enjoying the impressive ice carvings along the route, courtesy of the Holland on Ice festival happening the same weekend.”

All Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K racers will receive a custom Holland on Ice socks, an all-new finisher medal, and refreshments at the end of the race. Participants are encouraged to stay for the Holland on Ice festival following the race, to watch the nation’s best professional ice carvers as they transform over 10,000 blocks of ice into an incredible work of art, and to take advantage of discounts from participating Downtown Holland shops as part of the annual Meltdown Sale.

Registration for the Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K is now open at www.hollandrecreation.com. The race fee is $35 per person. The race begins at 8:00 am on Saturday, February 8 at the Eighth Street Market Place outside of the Holland Civic Center (150 West 8th Street). Packet pick-up will be held on Friday, February 7 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Gazelle Sports in Downtown Holland (24 West 8th Street) and on Saturday morning beginning at 7:00 am at the Holland Civic Center.

Children ages 7 and under are invited to participate in the Kids' Mini Melt at 9:00 am that same morning. The Mini Melt will be a .2-mile non-competitive dash down Eighth Street Market Place and back. Parents and guardians may participate alongside their mini runners if they'd like. Mini Melt participants will receive a finisher ribbon, race bib, and get to partake in after dash snacks and refreshments.

About Holland Parks & Recreation:

Holland Parks & Recreation is all about improving lives by offering high-quality programs and caring for the public spaces within the City of Holland. The City of Holland is home to 23 unique parks, and an outdoor community pool, all of which meet a wide array of community needs and interests in all seasons of the year. A robust recreation team offers residents and non-residents alike the opportunity to participate in countless youth, adult, and family programs, ranging from athletics to educational programs. Learn more about parks, upcoming programs, and more at www.hollandrecreation.com, and follow Holland Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

About Downtown Holland:
Located in the heart of the City of Holland, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and adjacent to the campus of Hope College, Downtown Holland is a premier shopping, dining, and special events destination like none other! Downtown Holland offers over 100 locally owned boutiques, shops, and galleries, along with breweries, cafes, and restaurants for every taste. Downtown Holland is also home to unique cultural attractions, an award-winning farmers market and beautiful parks. We can’t wait to welcome you! For more information and the latest Downtown Holland news and updates, visit us at www.downtownholland.com, follow Downtown Holland on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or call 616.796.1210.