National Watermelon Day Run
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National Watermelon Day Run
The National Watermelon Day Run takes place on August 1, 2026 at Pike Lake State Park, 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI. The event offers a variety of timed and untimed trail distances and a kids race.
Distances:
- Half Marathon
- Half Marathon - Early Start
- 10K
- 5K Run
- 5K Walk
- 5K Ruck
- 10K Ruck
- Kiddos 1K (open to ages 12 and under)
The courses run on shaded park trails and include technical features such as roots, ruts, rocks, and rolling hills. Trail distances may be longer than typical road measurements; organizers note GPS devices can vary and half marathon distances have shown fluctuations up to about half a mile. Course turns are marked with 12x12 turn arrows, three foot course signs, and orange cones rather than traditional trail tape.
Aid stations and on-course support:
- Half Marathon: three aid stations
- 10K: two aid stations
- 5K: one aid station All aid stations will be stocked with water and sports drink. A designated on-course bag drop is available at the end of the first lap; some aid stations may be self serve.
Event logistics include QR code packet pickup procedures, gender-specific dry wick race shirts guaranteed for registrations by July 18 while supplies last, and park parking that requires a DNR day pass or annual sticker. An offsite parking area at Ewald Hartford is used when the park lot fills and a shuttle bus serves the park; the bus capacity is 72 people.
Awards and extras: Overall distance winners receive custom awards from Ridgeway Woodworks. Age group awards for top three finishers are given in five year increments beginning at 0-14. Every participant receives a finisher woodle. The Kiddos 1K is free for children when a parent is registered and includes a race bib and finisher medal; registration is required. The event supports the Silver Circle Foundation, which aids firefighters, police, veterans, and deployed troops. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
