30th Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

🍉 Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series

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.

🌅 Overview

• Event Date: June 7, 2025
• Location: 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL
• Course: USATF-certified (FL21019JK)
• Website: Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series

🏃‍♂️ Race Details

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 $115,000 in scholarships. Join in the fun and #getsweatyforscholarships!

We are unable to mail bibs, shirts, medals, or awards. A friend or family member can pick up your packet or award during the scheduled packet pickup window or awards ceremony.

⏰ Race Start

The race starts at 7:00 AM on Lake Hollingsworth Dr at the intersection of Jonila Ave.

📝 Registration

Online registration is available through the Tuesday prior to each race. The online system will close and will reopen for onsite registration (cash or card) during packet picket on Friday, and again on Saturday if there are slots available.

You can choose between running the series or any single 5k race. All finishers will receive medals, but only series entries will receive shirts and are eligible for age group awards.

📦 Packet Pick Up

Early packet pick up will be held Friday before the race at the Cleveland Heights golf course clubhouse and on race day at the Lake Hollingsworth parking lot.

• Friday: 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 5:45 AM to 6:30 AM

Cleveland Heights Golf Club - 2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
Lake Hollingsworth Lot - 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803

There is limited parking near Lake Hollingsworth! Allow extra time to find parking and walk to packet pick up if you wait until race day.

🗺️ Course Map

The first 1.25 miles of the 5k is on Lake Hollingsworth Dr. The course then transitions to the running path around the lake, before returning to the street for the finish.

🏆 Results & Awards

Finishers will receive a participant's medal as they finish each race. You can find results on our Lakeland Runners Club website.

Series awards will be based on the cumulative time over the three races based on your age at the first race. You must register for the series: if you miss a race, you are not eligible for awards.

⚠️ Safety & Weather Guidelines

NO dogs, bicycles, roller skates, or in-line skates will be allowed on the course. The use of headphones is discouraged. Strollers need to stay at the back of the race.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series is held rain or shine. Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, with special attention placed on the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds and extreme temperatures.

💲 Refund Policy

This race is nonrefundable. If you can't attend the race, please initiate a registration transfer instead of just giving your bib to someone else.

📚 Race History

The first Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series was held in 1996.