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 (top 3 in each 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, 2026
• 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, 2026
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. 🇺🇸🍉
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
91°
Typical Low
71°
Chance of Rain
51%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Gainesville Rgnl Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Gainesville, FL
Population
143,611
as of 2023
Elevation
135 ft
Nearest Airport
GNV
Gainesville Regional Airport · 5 mi
Major Hub
JAX
Jacksonville International Airport · 69 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 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
- Race
- 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
- Date
- July 4, 2026
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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.
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 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run?
- 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run is a running race held in Gainesville, Florida on July 4, 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 48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run?
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida at 1001 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL. Check the 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 the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
Jul 4, 2026