Run for Holland 2025: Community Comes Together for a Day of Fun and Support

Spruce Pine, NC

After the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the community of Spruce Pine is banding together to lift spirits and support a cause close to home. The Run for Holland event, an annual 5K and 10K race that raises funds for individuals with special needs, will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

Founded 12 years ago by Adam and Brooke Burleson, Run for Holland was created to raise awareness and provide support for the special needs community in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties. The event has raised over $130,000, which has been reinvested in local organizations benefiting individuals with disabilities. Proceeds from the race, including registration fees, donations, and advertising, go directly to schools, daycares, camps, and other services that help those with special needs.

This year’s race marks a bittersweet moment for the organizers, as the route will be altered due to significant damage to Riverside Park and the businesses along Lower Street, which have been heavily impacted by the hurricane. For the first time in the event’s history, the 10K part of the race will not be held, and the end of the course will be adjusted. Despite these changes, the spirit of the event remains strong.

“We know this is a difficult time for many in our community, but we believe it’s important to come together and celebrate what makes our town strong,” said Heather Burleson. “Helene took so much from us, but we want to show that we are resilient, and we can still come together for a good cause. The Run for Holland is a day for fun and healing, and we invite everyone to join us.”

In recent discussions with board members, there was some hesitation about holding the event in 2025, with concerns about whether it would be sensitive to the ongoing recovery process. After polling past participants and carefully weighing the pros and cons, the board ultimately decided that the race is an important opportunity to help the community heal and come together outside of disaster relief efforts.

“We wanted this to be a day of joy and unity,” added Burleson. “It’s a chance for the community to take a break from the challenges we’ve faced and come together to support each other.”

The race will still feature its signature 5K course, which winds through Spruce Pine’s beautiful streets. With Lower Street and Riverside Park undergoing reconstruction, this year’s event is an opportunity to show support for downtown businesses and revitalize community spirit.

Run for Holland has always been about more than just running—it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with special needs. Each year, grants raised by the race provide vital resources for local organizations. From daycares that accommodate children with disabilities to summer camps offering inclusive activities, the funds raised by Run for Holland support initiatives that truly make a difference.

If you’d like to learn more about the event, the foundation, or how to get involved, visit the Run for Holland website at www.runforholland.com.

Race Director Adam Burleson can be reached for additional information at (828) 385-2341.

As we continue to rebuild from the effects of Hurricane Helene, events like the Run for Holland race remind us that our community’s heart remains strong. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or simply showing support, we hope to see you on May 3rd to help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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