Hope Watermelon 5K
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Hope Watermelon 5K
The Hope Watermelon 5K is a community road race held in Hope, Arkansas on August 8, 2026. The event is based at Fair Park, with the start and finish located near 1251 Park Drive. The event offering includes multiple race categories and a children's mile.
The course leaves Fair Park and proceeds east on Park Drive. The route is mostly flat with a few winding turns, then moves north on Elm Street and onto Main Street where runners encounter a small gradual downhill near the 1.5 mile point. Main Street then trends gradually uphill, continuing after a right onto 16th Street. After a downhill section and a turn onto Grady Street the route levels. The final approach turns onto Park Drive for a straight finish back at Fair Park.
Race history notes that the event began in 1978, initially at four miles, and has been part of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series since 1994. The course holds USATF certification AR24012WJT.
Additional event details include participant awards across multiple overall and age categories, a high school track team competition requiring five athletes per team, and that every participant receives a locally grown Hope watermelon. XXL shirts are available until July 6 for an additional $2. Registration fees are listed per category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
