26th Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series - presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union 2024

Short review

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.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last.  All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. In 2011, the LRC used the proceeds from the series to award one scholarship to a Polk County high school senior. The annual fund has grown with the race and since 2012 the club has awarded a total of $88,500 in scholarships.  Join in the fun and #getsweatyforscholarships! 

There will be one finisher medal for 3-race series participants ONLY. Finisher Medals will be given at the August race. There will not be a finisher medal for each individual race. 

RACE START: The race starts at 7:00 AM @ Lake Hollingsworth. 

REGISTRATION: 3 Race Series registration will close on June 9th.  Walk-up registration will be available during packet pick up Friday and Saturday. Shirts are not guaranteed for anyone registering after the start of the first race. 

SINGLE RACE REGISTRATION: Single Race registration has closed and will not reopen. Single-Race registration will NOT include a shirt or a finisher medal. 

PACKET PICK UP: Early packet pickup will be on the Friday prior to each race from 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM at the Eagles Nest at Peterson Park, located at 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd. (behind the YMCA). Race day pickup will be 5:45 AM to 6:45 AM in the parking lot at Lake Hollingsworth.

COURSE MAP:  The 5k will still be around Lake Hollingsworth but will provide increased safety for our participants and spectators. The start will be on Lake Hollingsworth Dr at Jonila. 

AWARDS:  Awards will be based on the cumulative time over the three races based on your age at the first race. If you miss a race, you are not eligible for awards. All awards will be based on chip time: the elapsed time between crossing the start and finish timing mats. Awards will be presented around 8:45 AM at the August 5k. 

REFUND POLICY: If the Lakeland Runners Club would need to cancel the race, participants will be refunded their race entry fee.

SAFETY PLAN: The Lakeland Runners Club is committed to creating a safe and exciting race experience for our participants, volunteers, timing contractors, community partners, and everyone else who makes race day possible. Thank you for your cooperation and we are looking forward to racing with you in 2021!  You can read our 2021 Safety Plan HERE.

These are LIVE, in-person events.  There is not a virtual option.

The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course (FL21019JK).  Races are chip-timed.  Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.

The first Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series was held in 1996.