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 53027. The event offers multiple distance options and several race formats.
- Half Marathon
- Half Marathon early start
- 10K
- 5K Run
- 5K Walk
- 5K Ruck
- 10K Ruck
- Kiddos 1K for ages 12 and under
The course is a technical trail with roots, ruts, rocks, and rolling hills. Organizers note the 5K course runs long and GPS devices can vary by up to half a mile on the half marathon. Turns are marked with signs and cones rather than trail tape.
Aid stations and on-course support vary by distance: three aid stations for the half marathon, two for the 10K, and one for the 5K. A designated on-course bag drop is available at the end of the first lap. Some aid stations may be self-serve.
Post-race provisions include ice cold watermelon slices and a free fresh fruit bar with recovery drinks. Race shirts are gender-specific, dry-wick, and guaranteed for registrations received by noon on July 18; female shirts run small. Parking requires a DNR day pass or annual sticker. Overflow parking is at Ewald Hartford with a shuttle bus that holds 72 people.
Ruck divisions are timed but not competitive and do not award age group prizes. Awards include overall male and female awards, top three age group awards, and a finisher woodle for every participant. The event is produced by Silver Circle Sports Events and supports the Silver Circle Foundation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
