Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5k

You don't get to 44 years by accident, and the 44th Annual Franklin Watermelon 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run is back again serving up every ounce of small‑town summer magic the watermelon capitol of Alabama is known for. Join us on Saturday, August 15th as runners hit a brand‑new course before diving straight into the sweetest tradition of all: free, ice‑cold watermelon waiting at the FINISH! With a festival‑themed race shirt, a finish line hyped up with Watermelon Festival energy, and that unmistakable hometown charm that makes this event a North Alabama favorite, this year’s race is set to be the juiciest way to celebrate this summer.

Course

2026 5K Course

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG

All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on August 1st are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.

Medals and Prizes

Awards for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

Aid Stations

There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid.

Additional Information

Race Day Schedule

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00 - 7:15 AM

Announcements and 5K call to start: 7:20 AM

5K Race Start: 7:30 AM

1 Mile Fun Run Start: 8:30 AM

Awards: 8:45 AM

FAQ

Who does this race benefit? Russellville High School Cross Country

Where is the race? START/FINISH at opposite ends of the Football Stadium

When is the event? Saturday, August 15, 2026 - 7:30 am CT RACE START

What time should I arrive? Please plan to arrive prior to 6:45 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up

Can I register on race day? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 6:45 AM to support our planned start time. ALL Race Day registrations must be completed on RunSignUp

Where do I get my packet? Pick up your race packet starting at 6:00 am race day morning at Russellville High School

I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!

When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day August 1st. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts. If the size is available at check out, its reserved for you. If all shirt sizes are listed as SOLD OUT, please select the None option to complete your registration and any extra shirts will be available after the awards, at the event.

Are there medals? Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+), and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each of the 10-year age groups. 

What are the age groups? Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Where do I park? FREE Parking is available near the race START/FINISH area at Russellville High School

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed

Are pets allowed? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. This rule is strictly ENFORCED. If you would like a Gun Time start offset for starting at the back of the pack with your dog, please speak with the race timer prior to race start.

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events

Is the 5K course certified? No, the 5K course is not certified

Is the 1 Mile course certified? No, the Fun Run course is not certified

Does the 5k course have hills? Yes, there are rolling hills along the course with a grade of <10%

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome!

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone! 

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!