Downtown Holland and Holland Parks and Recreation are excited to announce plans for the
first ever Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K, being held on Saturday, February 3 as part of Downtown Holland’s
two-day Holland on Ice event. The entire 5K course for this all-new 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 essentially guarantees a safe and hazard-free course,
while also enjoying the impressive ice carvings along the route, courtesy of the Holland on Ice festival
happening Downtown Holland that weekend.”

All Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K racers will receive a custom winter hat, a 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, which increases to $40 after January 15. The race begins at 8:00 am on Saturday, February 3 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 2 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 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.