31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL
- Date Sat 13th June 2026 - Sat 8th August 2026
- Time 7:00AM EDT
- Location Lakeland, Florida
- Price Free - $54.00
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to embrace the summer spirit at the 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series, taking place in the beautiful Lakeland, Florida! This exciting event runs from June 13 to August 8, 2026, with races scheduled on the second Saturday of each month at 7:00 AM. Participants can choose to compete in a single 5K or join the thrilling three-race series, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Hollingsworth.
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series is more than just a race; it's a vibrant celebration of community, fitness, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or a casual walker enjoying the morning sunshine, everyone is encouraged to join in the fun! This series has historically provided a platform for local athletes to shine while also supporting a great cause—over $123,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving Polk County high school seniors since the event's inception. So, lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and join us in making a difference while enjoying a refreshing summer run!
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series is more than just a race; it's a vibrant celebration of community, fitness, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or a casual walker enjoying the morning sunshine, everyone is encouraged to join in the fun! This series has historically provided a platform for local athletes to shine while also supporting a great cause—over $123,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving Polk County high school seniors since the event's inception. So, lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and join us in making a difference while enjoying a refreshing summer run!
Organiser's Description
_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 isnt just a raceits 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 studentsa 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
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 isnt just a raceits 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 studentsa 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
Races
-
3 Race 5K Series
Incl. $4.00 Fee & Shirt
Sat 13th June 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$54.00
Your Entry Includes 3 Chip Time Races 3 Finisher Medals 1 Series Shirt Age Group Award Eligible if all races completed -
June 5k
Incl. $2.50 Fee
Sat 13th June 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$27.50
Your entry includes Single Chip-timed 5k 1 Finisher Medal Does NOT include a race shirt -
July 5k
Incl. $2.50 Fee
Sat 11th July 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$27.50
Your entry includes Single Chip-timed 5k 1 Finisher Medal Does NOT include a race shirt -
August 5k
Incl. $2.50 Fee
Sat 8th August 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$27.50
Your entry includes Single Chip-timed 5k 1 Finisher Medal Does NOT include a race shirt -
Stroller Rider
Sat 13th June 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
Free
Registration and waiver for stroller riders.
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920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lake Hollingsworth Park, Lakeland, 33803, FL, United States
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31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL
