30th Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

🍉 Event Overview

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.

🏃‍♂️ About the Race

• Inception: 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.
• Popularity: The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness.
• Structure: The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last.
• Scholarships: Since 2012, the club has awarded a total of $115,000 in scholarships using proceeds from the series.

⏰ Race Start

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

📝 Registration

• Online Registration: Available through the Tuesday prior to each race.
• In-Person Registration: Onsite registration (cash or card) during packet picket on Friday, and again on Saturday if slots are available.
• Awards: All finishers will receive medals: only series entries will receive shirts and are eligible for age group awards.
• Joining: You can choose between running the series or any single 5k race.

📦 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 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM
Saturday from 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

🗺️ 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. Scroll down for maps.

🏅 Results & Awards

• Medals: Finishers will receive a participant's medal as they finish each race.
• Series Awards: Based on cumulative time over the three races: registration for the series is required.
• Categories: Overall, masters, and grandmasters winners will not be eligible for age group awards.
• Awards Ceremony: Presented after the final finisher at the August 5k, ~ 8:30 AM at Lake Hollingsworth Park.

⚠️ Safety & Weather Guidelines

NO dogs, bicycles, roller skates, or in-line skates will be allowed on the course. The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series is held rain or shine. Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, and participants will be informed of any conditions that may pose dangers.

💸 Refund Policy

This race is nonrefundable. You may transfer your registration to another runner under Manage Your Registration until one week before the race.

📜 Race History

The first Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series was held in 1996.

For more information, visit the official race page: Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series.