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
Event summary
Get ready for a refreshing and exhilarating experience at the Hope Watermelon 5K, taking place on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, in the charming town of Hope, Hempstead. This annual event has been a beloved tradition since its inception in 1978 and features a certified USATF course that promises an enjoyable run for participants of all skill levels. Runners will not only compete for glory but will also receive a delicious, locally grown Hope watermelon to celebrate their achievement.
The race welcomes individuals and high school track teams, with competition categories for both male and female runners, including overall awards for the top finishers in various age groups. Participants can look forward to a scenic course that starts at Fair Park and winds through Hope's streets, culminating in a thrilling finish. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant community event and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners. Sign up early to secure your spot and optional XXL shirts! Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and fresh watermelons!
The race welcomes individuals and high school track teams, with competition categories for both male and female runners, including overall awards for the top finishers in various age groups. Participants can look forward to a scenic course that starts at Fair Park and winds through Hope's streets, culminating in a thrilling finish. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant community event and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners. Sign up early to secure your spot and optional XXL shirts! Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and fresh watermelons!
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.
XXL SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 6TH FOR $ 2.00 EXTRA. SIGN UP EARLY!
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.
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.
XXL SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 6TH FOR $ 2.00 EXTRA. SIGN UP EARLY!
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.
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
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