Hope Watermelon 5K
- Date Sat 8th August 2026
- Time 7:25AM CDT
- Location Hope, Arkansas
- Price $16.90 - $32.80
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for a refreshing and fun-filled day at the Hope Watermelon 5K on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in beautiful Hope, Hempstead! This exciting event, hosted by the Melonvine Striders, features a certified 5K course that promises an enjoyable experience for runners of all ages and skill levels. Participants will not only compete for top honors but will also be rewarded with a delicious, locally grown genuine Hope watermelon upon finishing!
The race kicks off at Fair Park, with a mostly flat course that winds through the charming streets of Hope, providing a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment. For those looking to get the younger runners involved, the Melon Mile Kids Run starts at 8:30 AM, and the first 70 entrants will receive a shirt, with all kids earning a finisher medal. With awards given to the top three male and female finishers in various age groups, as well as special categories for walkers and wheelchair participants, there's something for everyone at this community event. Come join the fun, make lasting memories, and celebrate health and fitness in the heart of Hope!
The race kicks off at Fair Park, with a mostly flat course that winds through the charming streets of Hope, providing a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment. For those looking to get the younger runners involved, the Melon Mile Kids Run starts at 8:30 AM, and the first 70 entrants will receive a shirt, with all kids earning a finisher medal. With awards given to the top three male and female finishers in various age groups, as well as special categories for walkers and wheelchair participants, there's something for everyone at this community event. Come join the fun, make lasting memories, and celebrate health and fitness in the heart of Hope!
Organiser's Description
RACE HOSTED BY THE MELONVINE STRIDERS.
*USATF Course Certification #: AR24012WJT
-EVERY PARTICIPANT RECEIVES A LOCALLY GROWN GENUINE HOPE WATERMELON :)
-HIGH SCHOOL TRACK GIRLS / BOYS TEAM COMPETITION (NEED 5 GIRLS AND/OR 5 BOYS FOR A TEAM) PLEASE EMAIL RACE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
5K AWARDS:
OVERALL TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE IN OPEN, MASTERS, GRANDMASTERS AND SENIOR. OVERALL TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE WALKERS, TOP 3 WHEELCHAIRS, GIRLS AND BOYS HIGH SCHOOL TRACK TEAM AWARD. AWARDS ARE GIVEN 3 DEEP IN THE FOLLOWING AGE GROUPS: 0-9, 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 AND OVER.
MELON MILE KIDS RUN STARTS AT 8:30 AM, FIRST 70 ENTERED RECEIVE SHIRT. ALL RECEIVE FINISHER MEDAL.
DIRECTIONS TO THE STARTING LINE
From I-30 take Exit 30 onto AR-Hwy 32/73, and proceed southeast into Hope. Drive ~1.5 miles, then turn right at the 3rd stop light onto US-Hwy 67 (3rd St). Drive west 3 blocks and take a left onto Fulton St. Drive (Hwy 174 ) south for 1/2 mile until reach Park Dr. Turn right and the start/finish area is right before park entrance. .
Address: 1251 Park Drive, Fair Park, Hope, AR
RACE HISTORY
The Watermelon 5K was established in 1978 though in the first few years the race distance was 4 miles. The race has been part of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series since 1994.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Race starts leaving Fair park and going East on Park drive. Mostly flat with a few winding turns, then heading to Elm street going back north for two blocks lining up for the long straight away on Main.
Runners continue along Main St rewarded with a small gradual downhill until near the 1.5 mile point. Main St then moves gradually back uphill and the race route continues this gradual incline after making a right turn onto 16th street until just before the 2 mile marker.
At this point the course is gradually downhill until after the turn onto Grady Street, where the route levels off. The now weary runners will take Grady north to 7th Street where a left turn is made. The route angles to the southwest onto Park Dr. The road then turns back due west for the final straightaway. It is now time for the runners to begin their finishing kicks as the 3 mile marker and the finish line back in Fair Park are finally in sight!
For further information, contact:
Don Still, Race Director
Email
*USATF Course Certification #: AR24012WJT
-EVERY PARTICIPANT RECEIVES A LOCALLY GROWN GENUINE HOPE WATERMELON :)
-HIGH SCHOOL TRACK GIRLS / BOYS TEAM COMPETITION (NEED 5 GIRLS AND/OR 5 BOYS FOR A TEAM) PLEASE EMAIL RACE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
5K AWARDS:
OVERALL TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE IN OPEN, MASTERS, GRANDMASTERS AND SENIOR. OVERALL TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE WALKERS, TOP 3 WHEELCHAIRS, GIRLS AND BOYS HIGH SCHOOL TRACK TEAM AWARD. AWARDS ARE GIVEN 3 DEEP IN THE FOLLOWING AGE GROUPS: 0-9, 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 AND OVER.
MELON MILE KIDS RUN STARTS AT 8:30 AM, FIRST 70 ENTERED RECEIVE SHIRT. ALL RECEIVE FINISHER MEDAL.
DIRECTIONS TO THE STARTING LINE
From I-30 take Exit 30 onto AR-Hwy 32/73, and proceed southeast into Hope. Drive ~1.5 miles, then turn right at the 3rd stop light onto US-Hwy 67 (3rd St). Drive west 3 blocks and take a left onto Fulton St. Drive (Hwy 174 ) south for 1/2 mile until reach Park Dr. Turn right and the start/finish area is right before park entrance. .
Address: 1251 Park Drive, Fair Park, Hope, AR
RACE HISTORY
The Watermelon 5K was established in 1978 though in the first few years the race distance was 4 miles. The race has been part of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series since 1994.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Race starts leaving Fair park and going East on Park drive. Mostly flat with a few winding turns, then heading to Elm street going back north for two blocks lining up for the long straight away on Main.
Runners continue along Main St rewarded with a small gradual downhill until near the 1.5 mile point. Main St then moves gradually back uphill and the race route continues this gradual incline after making a right turn onto 16th street until just before the 2 mile marker.
At this point the course is gradually downhill until after the turn onto Grady Street, where the route levels off. The now weary runners will take Grady north to 7th Street where a left turn is made. The route angles to the southwest onto Park Dr. The road then turns back due west for the final straightaway. It is now time for the runners to begin their finishing kicks as the 3 mile marker and the finish line back in Fair Park are finally in sight!
For further information, contact:
Don Still, Race Director
Races
-
5k Runner
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 8th August 2026 (7:30AM CDT)
$32.80
-
5k Walker
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 8th August 2026 (7:30AM CDT)
$32.80
-
5k Wheelchair
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 8th August 2026 (7:25AM CDT)
$32.80
-
Melon Mile Kids Run
Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 8th August 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$16.90
Fun run for children aged 3 -12 by race day. Race day registration will be $ 15.00
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725 South Mockingbird Lane, Hope, 71801, AR, United States
Hope Watermelon 5K
