31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series

All events are SOLD OUT

🚫 The July Watermelon 5k is at capacity. There will be NO walk up registration.

✅ You MUST be registered to run. This is for both the safety and respect for those registered. We will ask anyone without a bib to exit the corrals.

📅 Can't make the race? You have until Tuesday, July 7 to transfer your entry to someone else. Series entries cannot be broken.

🚘 Looking for the best place to park? This event is in a beautiful neighborhood, but you need to arrive by 6:00 AM and find parking on one of the streets surrounding Lake Hollingsworth. Trust us - you won't be the first one there.

🧡 Our volunteers are absolutely, without a doubt, 100% A-MAZING, but they can't hold any of your personal belongings during the race. Have a plan for your shirt, your keys, any and all things you don't want to carry.

For our series entries:

👕 You don't have to run all three 5ks to get your shirt! Even if you only make it to one race, come get your shirt at packet pick up on Aug 8!

🎂 You don't get older during the Watermelon Series! Your age group stays the same across all three races.

🏆 You have to be present to get your age group award after the August race.

Until 7:00 AM on July 11

Event Information

This race is held by the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote running and fitness for people of all ages and abilities in the community.

Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series

📅 Saturday, June 13, July 11, August 8, 2026
🕢 7:00 AM
📍 Lake Hollingsworth | Lakeland, FL

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of summer, competition, and community. Whether you're an elite runner chasing a personal best or a walker soaking in the morning sunshine, this three-race 5K series welcomes everyone to embrace the challenge. Run a single 5k or sign up for the three race series.

Held at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, FL, each race brings fast times, fierce competition, and a vibrant atmosphere. The event has long been a proving ground for top local athletes while remaining an inviting experience for casual runners and walkers alike.

Beyond the finish line, the Watermelon 5K Series fuels scholarship funding for Polk County students—a tradition that started in 2011 and has grown to over $123,000 awarded to deserving high school seniors. So lace up, hit the pavement, and #GetSweatyForScholarships!

Walkers are welcome at this event. The Watermelon 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL21019JK). The race is chip-timed.

We are unable to mail 🔢bibs, 🎽shirts, 🏅finisher medals, or 🏆awards.

If you are not able to attend, please make arrangements for in-person pickup. A friend or family member may collect your packet during the scheduled packet pickup window or retrieve your award during the awards ceremony. Please refer to the race info for specific times and locations.

Any shirts not picked up before the race begins will be available for exchange after the race.

Please see our menu for details on:

• FAQ
• How to Participate
• Race Details
• Maps
• How to Support the Event as a Donor or Sponsor
• Volunteer Information

Race Location

Lake Hollingsworth
920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr
Lake Hollingsworth Park
Lakeland, FL 33803 US View Location on Map

Sign Up to Volunteer

Events

3 Race Bundle - Series Awards Eligible

Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8

Open to ages 5+.

Single 5k - No Age Group Awards

June 13

Open to ages 5+.

Single 5k - No Age Group Awards

$27.50

incl. $2.50 Fee

($22.20: Ages 5 - 18)

Sorry! This event is full.

July 11

Open to ages 5+.

Single 5k - No Age Group Awards

$27.50

incl. $2.50 Fee

($22.20: Ages 5 - 18)

Sorry! This event is full.

August 8

Open to ages 5+.

$0

separate registration required for all stroller riders

Open to ages 9 and under.

Sign Up

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