48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
- Date
- July 4, 2026
- Distance
- 3 mile Run (With Tank Top) · 3 Mile Run (No Tank Top)
From the Organizer
🍉 Gainesville’s Favorite Fourth of July Tradition
Start your Independence Day with 3 miles, rolling hills, and a slice of watermelon at the finish.
The Melon Run is one of the Florida Track Club's largest events of the year and as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks. This community favorite brings runners of all ages together for a festive, fun, and slightly hilly celebration.
🍉 The Race
• 3-mile rolling course
• Age-group awards in 10-year increments
• Age-group winners receive a watermelon
• Post-race refreshments (yes, more watermelon)
👑 Bonus Events
• Free ½-mile kids run
• Crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races
👕 Registration Details
Register by June 19 at 11:59 PM to select a race tank top.
• No tank tops available after June 19, 2025
• Price (no tank option) increases after June 19
• Price increases again after June 27
• Race tanks will not be held if you do not attend
👟 Youth Pricing (12 & Under)
• $25 regular registration
• $15 no-tank option
Pricing automatically adjusts based on age on July 4, 2025.
Children receive the additional discount with a family membership.
📍 Race Day Information
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Park
1001 NW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32605
Parking: Use the large lot on the west side of the park off NW 34th Street.
Bib Pick-Up: Begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the pool near the finish line (east side of the park)
⚠️ Race Day Registration = Online Only
Register online through 7:30 AM on race morning using your phone or computer, then pick up your bib.
• No in-person registration assistance
• No paper forms
• No in-person payments
💳 FTC Member Discount
FTC Members:
Log in to your FTC account and click the "Local Races" tab for the discount code. Enter that code on the payment page during registration.
Not a member yet? Join the Florida Track Club and take part in 9 free races and 3 discounted events each year.
Annual Membership Rates:
• Individual: $40
• Family: $65
• Student: $25
• Senior (65+): $25 individual / $40 family
(Email us to set up Senior membership.)
Three miles. Rolling hills. Watermelon at the finish.
There’s no better way to kick off the Fourth of July in Gainesville. 🇺🇸🍉
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in FL
Gulf Winds Summer Trail Series
Great Potluck Bash 4 Mile Prediction Run
Independence Day 5k and 1 mile!
5K
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Marianna, FL (35)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run?
- 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run is a running event held in Gainesville, FL. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run?
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Gainesville, FL at 1001 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
Jul 4, 2026