31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL logo
RunningRace day in 5 days

31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

Date
June 13 – August 8, 2026
Location
920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL
Distance
3 Race 5K Series · June 5k · July 5k & more
Register →

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

Events

3 Race 5K SeriesSat, Jun 13 · 7 AMRegister →
June 5kSat, Jun 13 · 7 AMRegister →
July 5kSat, Jul 11 · 7 AMRegister →
August 5kSat, Aug 8 · 7 AMRegister →
Stroller RiderSat, Jun 13 · 7 AMRegister →

Weather

Race-Day Forecast

Live forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service.

Race Day

Saturday, 6/13

High

90°

Low

75°

Conditions

Showers and thunderstorms likely

Chance of Rain

67%

Wind

1 to 6 mph

Sunrise 6:32 AMSunset 8:26 PMDaylight 13h 54m

Host City

About Lakeland, FL

Population

117,030

as of 2023

Elevation

209 ft

Nearest Airport

LAL

Lakeland Linder International Airport · 5 mi

Major Hub

TPA

Tampa International Airport · 35 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

5

Days to train

Race
31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL
Date
June 13 – August 8, 2026
Register Today

Coming Up

More Running races near Lakeland, FL

RunningLakeland, FL

LRC Middle School Development | Lakeland, FL

Jun 9, 2026

Less than a mile away

View Race→
RunningLAKELAND, FL

Red, White & Brew 5k

Jul 4, 2026
5K

Less than a mile away

View Race→
RunningLakeland, FL

LRC Distance Program | Lakeland, FL

Aug 22, 2026

Less than a mile away

View Race→
RunningLakeland, FL

Leading Edge Take Heart 10K/5K

Sep 12, 2026
10K · 5K

Less than a mile away

View Race→

Explore by category

5Ks in Florida→10Ks in Florida→Half Marathons in Florida→Marathons in Florida→Running races in Florida→Running races in June→Running races in Florida in June→Running races in the United States→Endurance races in Florida→

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

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.

Read the Guide

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.

Read the guide →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL?
31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL is a running race held in Lakeland, Florida on June 13, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL?
Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida at 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL. Check the 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 the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

Jun 13, 2026

Register →