48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
- Date Sat 4th July 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Gainesville, Florida
- Price $28.00 - $39.60
- Races 2 races
Event summary
Join the fun at the 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in beautiful Gainesville, Alachua! This beloved community event is a fantastic way to kickstart your Independence Day celebrations with an exhilarating 3-mile race featuring rolling hills and the promise of refreshing watermelon at the finish line. As one of the Florida Track Club's premier events, the Melon Run attracts participants of all ages, creating a festive atmosphere filled with camaraderie and spirited competition.
The race begins at 8:00 AM at Albert Ray Massey Westside Park, and bib pick-up starts at 7:00 AM, making it easy to get ready for a day of fun. Runners can compete for age-group awards in 10-year increments, with the top three in each category receiving their very own watermelon! Plus, there’s a special free 1/2-mile kids run and the crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that’s as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks—register by June 19 to secure your race tank top and join in the celebration!
The race begins at 8:00 AM at Albert Ray Massey Westside Park, and bib pick-up starts at 7:00 AM, making it easy to get ready for a day of fun. Runners can compete for age-group awards in 10-year increments, with the top three in each category receiving their very own watermelon! Plus, there’s a special free 1/2-mile kids run and the crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that’s as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks—register by June 19 to secure your race tank top and join in the celebration!
Organiser's Description
GAINESVILLES FAVORITE FOURTH OF JULY TRADITION
START YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH 3 MILES, ROLLING HILLS, AND A SLICE OF WATERMELON AT THE FINISH.
The Melon Run is one of the Florida Track Club's largest events of the year and as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks. This community favorite brings runners of all ages together for a festive, fun, and slightly hilly celebration.
THE RACE
3-mile rolling course
Age-group awards in 10-year increments (top 3 in each receive a watermelon)
Post-race refreshments (yes, more watermelon)
BONUS EVENTS
Free 1/2 -mile kids run
Crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Register by June 19 at 11:59 PM to select a race tank top.
No tank tops available after June 19, 2026
Price (no tank option) increases after June 19
Price increases again after June 27
Race tanks will not be held if you do not attend
Youth Pricing (12 & Under)
$25 regular registration
$15 no-tank option
Pricing automatically adjusts based on age on July 4, 2026
Children receive the additional discount with a family membership.
RACE DAY INFORMATION
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Albert Ray Massey Westside Park
1001 NW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32605
PARKING: Use the large lot on the west side of the park off NW 34th Street.
BIB PICK-UP: Begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the pool near the finish line (east side of the park)
warning Race Day Registration = Online Only
Register online through 7:30 AM on race morning using your phone or computer, then pick up your bib.
No in-person registration assistance
No paper forms
No in-person payments
FTC MEMBER DISCOUNT
FTC Members:
Log in to your FTC account and click the "Local Races" tab for the discount code. Enter that code on the payment page during registration.
Not a member yet? Join the Florida Track Club and take part in 9 free races and 3 discounted events each year.
Annual Membership Rates:
Individual: $40
Family: $65
Student: $25
Senior (65+): $25 individual / $40 family
(Email us to set up Senior membership.)
Three miles. Rolling hills. Watermelon at the finish.
Theres no better way to kick off the Fourth of July in Gainesville.
START YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH 3 MILES, ROLLING HILLS, AND A SLICE OF WATERMELON AT THE FINISH.
The Melon Run is one of the Florida Track Club's largest events of the year and as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks. This community favorite brings runners of all ages together for a festive, fun, and slightly hilly celebration.
THE RACE
3-mile rolling course
Age-group awards in 10-year increments (top 3 in each receive a watermelon)
Post-race refreshments (yes, more watermelon)
BONUS EVENTS
Free 1/2 -mile kids run
Crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Register by June 19 at 11:59 PM to select a race tank top.
No tank tops available after June 19, 2026
Price (no tank option) increases after June 19
Price increases again after June 27
Race tanks will not be held if you do not attend
Youth Pricing (12 & Under)
$25 regular registration
$15 no-tank option
Pricing automatically adjusts based on age on July 4, 2026
Children receive the additional discount with a family membership.
RACE DAY INFORMATION
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Albert Ray Massey Westside Park
1001 NW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32605
PARKING: Use the large lot on the west side of the park off NW 34th Street.
BIB PICK-UP: Begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the pool near the finish line (east side of the park)
warning Race Day Registration = Online Only
Register online through 7:30 AM on race morning using your phone or computer, then pick up your bib.
No in-person registration assistance
No paper forms
No in-person payments
FTC MEMBER DISCOUNT
FTC Members:
Log in to your FTC account and click the "Local Races" tab for the discount code. Enter that code on the payment page during registration.
Not a member yet? Join the Florida Track Club and take part in 9 free races and 3 discounted events each year.
Annual Membership Rates:
Individual: $40
Family: $65
Student: $25
Senior (65+): $25 individual / $40 family
(Email us to set up Senior membership.)
Three miles. Rolling hills. Watermelon at the finish.
Theres no better way to kick off the Fourth of July in Gainesville.
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1001 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, 32605, FL, United States
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48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
