31st Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series | Lakeland, FL

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series consists of three 5K races held on summer mornings at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. Participants may register for a single race or the entire series. The Lakeland Runners Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting running and fitness for all ages and abilities in the local community, organizes the event. The races feature a USATF-certified, chip-timed 5K course, which contributes to the series being a serious test for competitive local runners. Walkers, casual runners, families, and athletes seeking fast times participate together. Registration is open to individuals aged 5 and older, with a separate free registration for stroller participants aged 9 and under. The series also provides financial support for scholarships for Polk County students, a program established in 2011 that has awarded over $123,000 to high school seniors.