Hope Watermelon 5K
- Date
- August 8, 2026
- Distance
- 5k Runner · 5k Walker · 5k Wheelchair & more
From the Organizer
•Race hosted by the Melonvine Striders.
*USATF Course Certification #: AR24012WJT
-Every participant receives a locally grown genuine Hope Watermelon :)
-High School Track Girls / Boys Team Competition (Need 5 girls and/or 5 boys for a team) Please email race for instructions.
XXL shirts are available for a limited time for $ 2.00 extra. Sign up early!
Awards
Overall Top 3 Male and Female in Open, Masters, Grandmasters and Senior. Overall top 3 Male and Female Walkers, Top 3 Wheelchairs, Girls and Boys High School Track team award. Awards are given 3 deep in the following age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over.
Directions to the Starting Line
From I-30 take Exit 30 onto AR-Hwy 32/73, and proceed southeast into Hope. Drive ~1.5 miles, then turn right at the 3rd stop light onto US-Hwy 67 (3rd St). Drive west 3 blocks and take a left onto Fulton St. Drive (Hwy 174 ) south for 1/2 mile until reach Park Dr. Turn right and the start/finish area is right before park entrance. .
Address: 1251 Park Drive, Fair Park, Hope, AR
Race History
The Watermelon 5K was established in 1978 though in the first few years the race distance was 4 miles. The race has been part of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series since 1994.
Course Description
Race starts leaving Fair park and going East on Park drive. Mostly flat with a few winding turns, then heading to Elm street going back north for two blocks lining up for the long straight away on Main.
Runners continue along Main St rewarded with a small gradual downhill until near the 1.5 mile point. Main St then moves gradually back uphill and the race route continues this gradual incline after making a right turn onto 16th street until just before the 2 mile marker.
At this point the course is gradually downhill until after the turn onto Grady Street, where the route levels off. The now weary runners will take Grady north to 7th Street where a left turn is made. The route angles to the southwest onto Park Dr. The road then turns back due west for the final straightaway. It is now time for the runners to begin their finishing kicks as the 3 mile marker and the finish line back in Fair Park are finally in sight!
For further information, contact:
Don Still, Race Director
Email
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
93°
Typical Low
70°
Chance of Rain
22%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Hope 3 Ne, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Hope, AR
Population
8,787
as of 2023
Elevation
342 ft
Nearest Airport
TXK
Texarkana Regional Airport (Webb Field) · 27 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Hope Watermelon 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Hope, AR
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Do the Haven Hustle 5K
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Fall Festival 5k Run/walk
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16 miles away
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 Hope Watermelon 5K?
- Hope Watermelon 5K is a running race held in Hope, Arkansas on August 8, 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 Hope Watermelon 5K?
- Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Hope, Arkansas at 725 South Mockingbird Lane, Hope, AR. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Hope Watermelon 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Hope Watermelon 5K
Aug 8, 2026