HOLLAND (9/24/05) - It's not uncommon for first-time races to experience confusion, mismanagement and a variety of snafus, but the good folks at Harderwyk Reformed Church (with a little help from Classic Race Management) avoided that at their debut Park2Park Half- Marathon and 5K.

Race director Sherrie Kornoelje-Santos and her crew made sure the course was scenic and well-marked, the water stations were well- saturated, and the awards were unique (at least for the overall winners) and abundant.

The race, which benefited Neighbors Plus, a community outreach organization, passed through Holland's suburban north side and Holland State Park, and past other Lake Michigan shoreline favorites such as Tunnel Park and Riley Beach.

"Everything for the most part went very smoothly," said Kornoelje- Santos afterward. "We had a few complaints about unruly drivers out on the course, but that's about it."

The weather felt fall-ish at the 8 a.m. start, and the half-marathoners used the cool temperatures to cruise to fast times. Dave VanderMeer of Wyoming, Matt Smith of Holland, Jon Langworthy of Portage, and yours truly (of Borculo) started out in a lead pack that hit the first mile marker in 5:22. The pace never slowed much from there, as we tore through the state park almost too fast to enjoy its beauty.

By the time we hit five miles (27:12), I was tiring and had to let the other three go. They covered the sixth mile in 5:16, at which point VanderMeer surged. From thereon he ran alone.

"When Dave made that move, I got a side cramp and got a little worried," Langworthy said. "I tried to close the gap but couldn't quite do it."

VanderMeer pushed on over the few small hills near the end of the mostly-flat, fast course and finished in 1:10:09.

"I got a gap halfway and just tried to bring it in strong from there," said the winner. "I could have used a few more hills to get me going. If this course was more like the River Bank Run 25K, I think I could have broken 1:10."

Smith pulled away from Langworthy near the finish to place second in 1:10:30. Langworthy followed in 1:10:47. I came home a distant fourth in 1:13:35, still a solid effort and 90 seconds faster than my goal time.

The women were led by Gayle Kuipers, 40, of Holland, who took both the masters and overall titles in 1:28:45, nearly seven minutes clear of second-place Natalie Hirdes of Allendale. Keith Roberts of Augusta claimd the male masters title in 1:23:50.

In the 5K, Jenna Burtch of Holland finished women's champion and third overall in 22:42. Derek VanMeurs of Grand Haven led all finishers in 20:24, with Grand Rapids' Tim Lunger second in 20:43.

Ninety-six runners completed the half-marathon, 38 the 5K. With cool fall weather, a gorgeous (and fast) course, and top-notch organization, those numbers are sure to climb in 2006 and beyond. MR