Ep160: Eddie Kline on Growing a Race, the Marathon Mind-set, and Eyeing an Ultra

The Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K keeps on growing—last year the September races in west Michigan saw a 60% increase in registrations, with nearly 900 runners participating and 2,000 people taking part in the after-party. Eddie Kline, race founder and director, returns to the podcast to talk about this year’s event, now in its sixth year and set for Sunday, Sept. 8 in Holland, Mich. “The half marathon almost sold out last year, and it will for sure this year,” he says.

Eddie and Heather also talk about his “tale of two halves and a failed BQ” at last fall’s Columbus Marathon. Eddie gets candid about realizing during the race that things weren’t going the way he’d planned—and how he ultimately changed his mind-set and found a way to remain positive about the experience. “In the end, the people made the difference for me. Even with a failed BQ, I had an amazing marathon and loved every minute of it.” Eddie is tackling his first ultramarathon, a 50-miler at Dances with Dirt this September in Pinckney, Mich.

With his Holland Haven race, Eddie says he wanted to create a quality hometown race experience for runners, along with providing a final opportunity to snag a Boston-qualifying time in west Michigan. Unlike many races, the Holland Haven offers an expo on race day itself as part of the post-race party that features free beer, cider, and food—for runners as well as spectators. Eddie talks about this year’s new feature—a team runner series—and how the race gives back to local charities and organizations including Camp Geneva, Team Red, White and Blue, and Medals4Mettle.

Race details on the Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K website: https://www.hollandhavenmarathon.com/