Name: 31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL
Start: 2026-06-13
End: 2026-08-08
Location: Lakeland, Florida

About the Event

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

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 details below 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

Races Offered

3 Race 5K Series

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

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Type — Road running

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07:00

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$40.00

3 Race 5k Series

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

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07:00

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0.00

5k Race Series - Jun, Jul & Aug

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

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07:00

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0.00

August 5k

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

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07:00

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$15.00

July 5k

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

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07:00

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$15.00

June 5k

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

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07:00

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$15.00

Stroller Rider

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — Stroller Rider

terrain

Type — Road running

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07:00

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$0.00

Volunteer

Jun 13, 2026

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Distance — Volunteer

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

07:00

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$0.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Lakeland.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 22.5° / 31.8°

wb_sunny 25.5° / 34.2°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 8.8 /

water_drop 78.6%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 22.5° / 31.8°

wb_sunny 25.5° / 34.2°

air 8.8 km/h

water_drop 78.6%

About Lakeland

Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, Florida. It is home to Florida Southern College, which has the largest collection of buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright at a single site in the world.