Pella Hosts Final Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K

The 19-year-old community race honors a beloved local figure.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in warm earth tones, deep reds, and vibrant greens, capturing the energy and spirit of a community running event through fragmented, overlapping planes and shapes.The final Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K race in Pella, Iowa brought the community together one last time to celebrate a beloved local figure.Pella Today

The city of Pella, Iowa held the 19th and final Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K race on Saturday, a long-running community event that has honored a beloved local figure for nearly two decades.

Why it matters

The Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K was a cherished annual tradition in Pella that brought the community together to celebrate the life and legacy of a respected resident. The race's conclusion marks the end of an era for the town.

The details

The Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K was first held in 2007 to honor Gene Van Wyk, a Pella resident who was known for his community involvement and passion for running. The race has been a fixture in the town ever since, drawing hundreds of participants each year.

  • The 19th and final Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K was held on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The race was first established in 2007.

The players

Sandra Fancher

A local organizer of the Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K.

Russ Van Wyk

The son of Gene Van Wyk, whom the race honors.

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What they’re saying

“This race has been a way for our community to come together and celebrate Gene's life for nearly two decades.”

— Sandra Fancher, Local Organizer

“My father would be so proud to see how this event has grown and the way it has brought Pella together over the years.”

— Russ Van Wyk, Gene Van Wyk's Son

What’s next

This was the final year for the Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K, as the organizers have decided to retire the event after nearly two decades.

The takeaway

The conclusion of the Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K marks the end of a beloved community tradition in Pella that has celebrated the life and legacy of a local icon for nearly 20 years.