Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross-country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. In 2011, the LRC used the proceeds from the series to award one scholarship to a Polk County high school senior. The annual fund has grown with the race, and since 2012, the club has awarded a total of $107,500 in scholarships. Join in the fun and #getsweatyforscholarships!
Walkers are welcome at this event. The Watermelon 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL21019JK). The race is chip-timed.
IMPORTANT DATES
Jun. 10 - Last date to register to guarantee shirt selection
May. 26 - Series price increase from $45.00 to $55.00
Jun. 7, Jul. 5, Aug. 9 - Online registration closes at 11:59 PM
Jun. 8, Jul. 6, Aug. 10 - Race Instructions Emailed
Jun. 9, Jul. 7, Aug. 11 - Walk Up registration opens at 4:00 PM, $55.00 (series, June only), $20 (single 5k) cash or credit
Race Start
The race starts at 7:00 AM on Lake Hollingsworth Dr at the intersection of Jonila Ave.
Registration
Online registration is available through the Wednesday prior to each race. The online system will close and will reopen for onsite registration (cash or card) during packet picket on Friday and again on Saturday from 5:45 AM to 6:30 AM.
You can choose between running the series or any single 5k race. All finishers will receive medals, but only series entries will receive shirts and are eligible for age group awards.
The first 1.25 miles of the 5k is on Lake Hollingsworth Dr. The course then transitions to the running path around the lake, before returning to the street for the finish.
Awards
Finishers will receive a participant's medal as they finish each race.
Awards will be based on the cumulative time over the three races based on your age at the first race. If you miss a race, you are not eligible for awards.
Overall male and female will be based on gun time. All other awards will be based on chip time. In addition to overall male and female, the LRC will recognize masters male and female (fastest runners over 40) and grandmasters male and female (fastest runners over 50).
The LRC will recognize male and female 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placements in these age categories: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
Overall, masters and grandmasters winners will not be eligible for age group awards, and there will be no double dipping in the overall, masters & grandmasters award categories.
Awards will be presented after the final finisher at the August 5k, 8:30 AM at Lake Hollingsworth park
Location: 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr Lake Hollingsworth Parking Lakeland, FL US 33803