Annual Run for Holland Returns May 7

Mitchell News Journal

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

The annual Run for Holland charity race returns to Spruce Pine Saturday, May 7.

Run for Holland, presented by the non-profit Run for Holland Foundation, raises money for Down syndrome awareness through an annual 5K and 10K race that over the years has sent hundreds of runners through Spruce Pine on a set track.

Run for Holland aims to raise funds for the special needs community. All proceeds from the race, including donations, signup money and advertising, go directly to the special needs community.

All money stays local. Run for Holland, since 2014, has provided more than $80,000 in grants to local organizations that impact those with disabilities including schools, daycares and camps.

Medals, prizes and awards are presented each year to top finishers.

Race organizer Adam Burleson and his wife began the Run for Holland Foundation several years ago after their own daughter, Holland, was diagnosed with Down syndrome. The pair were frightened at the thought and had little experience with children with disabilities.

The family’s genetic counselor coached the couple through the pregnancy after knowing that their child would be diagnosed. It was a short story called Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley that brought the couple relief and comfort as the story perfectly portrays how they felt. This inspired them to name their daughter Holland.

Holland is the inspiration for the annual race, which now raises money and awareness for the special needs community in her name.

The runners on the 5K course run a total of 3.21 miles to symbolize the scientific definition of Down syndrome— when the 21st chromosome has three strands, rather than two. The race begins at Spruce Pine First Baptist Church.

“We want the Run for Holland idea to spread through our community like wildfire and give families and individuals the love and support they deserve,” said a statement from the Run for Holland Foundation.