Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series
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Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series : Lakeland, FL
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series is a set of three 5K events held at Lake Hollingsworth Park in Lakeland, Florida on June 13, July 11, and August 8, 2026. The series is organized by the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes running and fitness in the community.
Participants may enter the three-race 5K series or individual single 5K races. Series entries include chip timing for all three races, three finisher medals, a series shirt, and eligibility for age-group awards when all races are completed; the series fee is listed as $50. Single-race entries include a single chip-timed 5K and one finisher medal, do not include a race shirt, and are listed at $25 per race. A stroller rider registration and waiver option is available with no fee.
The course around Lake Hollingsworth is USATF-certified (FL21019JK) and events are chip-timed. The series also supports scholarship funding for Polk County students; the scholarship program began in 2011 and has awarded over $123,000 to high school seniors. Race materials such as bibs, shirts, medals, and awards are not mailed; in-person packet pickup or retrieval by a designated person is required and unclaimed shirts may be exchanged after the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
