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.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross-country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. In 2011, the LRC used the proceeds from the series to award one scholarship to a Polk County high school senior. The annual fund has grown with the race, and since 2012, the club has awarded a total of $115,000 in scholarships. Join in the fun 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, medals, or awards. A friend or family member can pick up your packet or award during the scheduled packet pickup window or awards ceremony. 

The race starts at 7:00 AM on Lake Hollingsworth Dr at the intersection of Jonila Ave.

Online registration is available through the Tuesday prior to each race. The online system will close and will reopen for onsite registration (cash or card) during packet picket on Friday, and again on Saturday if there are slots available.

You can choose between running the series or any single 5k race. All finishers will receive medals, but only series entries will receive shirts and are eligible for age group awards. 

Early packet pick up will be held Friday before the race at the Cleveland Heights golf course clubhouse and on race day at the Lake Hollingsworth parking lot.

Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM 
Saturday from 5:45 AM to 6:30 AM

Cleveland Heights Golf Club - 2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
Lake Hollingsworth Lot - 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803   

There is limited parking near Lake Hollingsworth! Allow extra time to find parking and walk to packet pick up if you wait until race day.

The first 1.25 miles of the 5k is on Lake Hollingsworth Dr.  The course then transitions to the running path around the lake, before returning to the street for the finish.

scroll down for maps

Finishers will receive a participant's medal as they finish each race.  You can find results on our Lakeland Runners Club website.

Series awards will be based on the cumulative time over the three races based on your age at the first race. You must register for the series; if you miss a race, you are not eligible for awards.

Overall male and female will be based on gun time. All other awards will be based on chip time. In addition to overall male and female, the LRC will recognize masters male and female (fastest runners over 40) and grandmasters male and female (fastest runners over 50).

The LRC will recognize male and female 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placements in these age categories: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+

Overall, masters and grandmasters winners will not be eligible for age group awards, and there will be no double dipping in the overall, masters & grandmasters award categories.

Awards will be presented after the final finisher at the August 5k, ~ 8:30 AM at Lake Hollingsworth Park.

We are unable to mail bibs, shirts, medals, or awards. A friend or family member can pick up your packet or award during the scheduled packet pickup window or awards ceremony. 

NO dogs, bicycles, roller skates, or in-line skates will be allowed on the course. The use of headphones is discouraged. Strollers need to stay at the back of the race.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series is held rain or shine. Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, with special attention placed on the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds and extreme temperatures.  If necessary, participants will be made aware of these conditions and possible dangers that could result via this website and text messaging if you signed up for that service. 

Race officials will monitor the weather and decide if any action will be taken to modify the race.  Visible lightning will cause the race to be delayed.  Less threatening conditions may cause alterations of the course or post-event activities to ensure participant, volunteer, and community safety.

Heat Advisory
This event is held in a month with warm weather and high humidity. Stay well hydrated prior to the race by alternating water and electrolyte-based hydration options. Choose light clothing for your race, and ensure any headwear is breathable and allows heat to escape. If you are not heat-acclimated or are prone to heat illness, be conservative with your pace as to not overextend yourself. This may not be the event to attempt your personal best. Slow down at any signs of heat illness, including dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea. 

This race is nonrefundable.

If you can't attend the race, please initiate a registration transfer instead of just giving your bib to someone else. Giving someone a bib registered in your name creates inaccurate race results and can prevent registered and deserving individuals from being properly recognized in their age group, and creates a risk in the case of emergency when EMS is not able to identify the person by their race number. 

You may transfer your registration to another runner (officially give it to someone else) under Manage Your Registration until one week before the race. 

The first Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series was held in 1996.