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
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Event summary
Join the excitement at the 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Gainesville, Alachua! This beloved local tradition invites runners of all ages to celebrate Independence Day with a lively 3-mile race featuring scenic rolling hills and a delightful slice of watermelon waiting at the finish line. As one of the Florida Track Club's largest events, the Melon Run is as iconic to the holiday as BBQ and fireworks, bringing the community together for a fun-filled day.
The festivities kick off at 8:00 AM at Albert Ray Massey Westside Park, with bib pick-up starting at 7:00 AM. Participants can look forward to age-group awards in 10-year increments and, of course, more watermelon to enjoy post-race! Kids can also join in on the action with a free 1/2-mile run, and the crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen adds a special touch to this joyful celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event—register by June 19 to secure your race tank top and take advantage of special pricing. Embrace the spirit of July 4th in Gainesville with the Melon Run—three miles
The festivities kick off at 8:00 AM at Albert Ray Massey Westside Park, with bib pick-up starting at 7:00 AM. Participants can look forward to age-group awards in 10-year increments and, of course, more watermelon to enjoy post-race! Kids can also join in on the action with a free 1/2-mile run, and the crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen adds a special touch to this joyful celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event—register by June 19 to secure your race tank top and take advantage of special pricing. Embrace the spirit of July 4th in Gainesville with the Melon Run—three miles
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
Age-group winners 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, 2025
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, 2025.
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
Age-group winners 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, 2025
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, 2025.
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
