31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL logo
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31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

Date
June 13, 2026
Distance
3 Race 5K Series · June 5k · July 5k & more

From the Organizer

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.

Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series

📅 Saturday, June 13, July 11, August 8, 2026
🕢 7:00 AM
📍 Lake Hollingsworth | Lakeland, FL

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of summer, competition, and community. Whether you're an elite runner chasing a personal best or a walker soaking in the morning sunshine, this three-race 5K series welcomes everyone to embrace the challenge. Run a single 5k or sign up for the three race series.

Held at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, FL, each race brings fast times, fierce competition, and a vibrant atmosphere. The event has long been a proving ground for top local athletes while remaining an inviting experience for casual runners and walkers alike.

Beyond the finish line, the Watermelon 5K Series fuels scholarship funding for Polk County students—a tradition that started in 2011 and has grown to over $123,000 awarded to deserving high school seniors. So lace up, hit the pavement, and #GetSweatyForScholarships!

Walkers are welcome at this event. The Watermelon 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL21019JK). The race is chip-timed.

We are unable to mail 🔢bibs, 🎽shirts, 🏅finisher medals, or 🏆awards. 

If you are not able to attend, please make arrangements for in-person pickup. A friend or family member may collect your packet during the scheduled packet pickup window or retrieve your award during the awards ceremony. Please refer to the race info for specific times and locations.

Any shirts not picked up before the race begins will be available for exchange after the race.

Please see our menu for details on:

• FAQ
• How to Participate
• Race Details
• Maps
• How to Support the Event as a Donor or Sponsor
• Volunteer Information

Distances & Pricing

3 Race 5K Series7 AMRegister →
June 5k7 AMRegister →
July 5k7 AMRegister →
August 5k7 AMRegister →
Stroller Rider7 AMRegister →

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL?
31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL is a running event held in Lakeland, FL. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
When and where is the 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL?
Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Lakeland, FL at 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL?
Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.

31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

Jun 13, 2026

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