Thousands of people celebrated the kick off to Tulip Time during the 24th annual Klompen Classic Wednesday evening.
More than 2000 runners and walkers participated in the annual event raising funds for Crossroads of Pella.
The overall winner was Central College distance runner Jamie Vander Veer of Harvey. Valerie Keegan won the women’s division, and Lance Bergeson and Robyn Friedman won the Masters categories. Crossroads of Pella Director Jim Hibma says there were enough registrants to cross over the 30,000 participant mark over the 24 years of the race.
Students from the Netherlands participate with Pella
and Pella Christian students.
Hundreds of kids also participated in the Kids Classic by the Vermeer Windmill as well.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes Quarterback and Executive Director of the Iowa Sports Foundation Chuck Long participated in the race. He received a sponsorship check from the central Iowa Subway stores via Pella and Monroe Store Owner Craig Olson.