Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5k
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Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5K
The 44th annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run takes place on August 15, 2026 in Russellville, Alabama, with the start and finish staged at opposite ends of the high school football stadium on Golden Tiger Drive. The event includes a brand-new 5K course and free ice-cold watermelon at the finish.
Distances
- 5K
- 1 Mile Family Fun Run
The event provides race shirts guaranteed for runners who register before the T-shirt deadline of August 1. Packet pick-up begins at Russellville High School on race morning. The event benefits Russellville High School Cross Country and is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.
Two aid and recovery stations are provided: one at the start and finish area offering hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes, and an on-course station between mile 1 and 2 offering water and first aid. Awards include overall male and female, Masters (40+) male and female, and 1st through 3rd place medals for male and female finishers in the listed 10-year age groups.
The 5K and 1 Mile courses are not certified. The 5K includes rolling hills with grades under 10 percent. Strollers and well-socialized leashed dogs are allowed at the back of the pack. Race day registrations are accepted until 15 minutes before the race start; availability and procedures may be limited. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
