The Watermelon 5K was established in 1978 though in the first few years the race distance was 4 miles. The race has been part of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series since 1994 and is hosted by the Melonvine Striders. Every participant receives a locally grown genuine Hope Watermelon 🙂
The race starts leaving Fair park and going East on Park drive. Mostly flat with a few winding turns, then heading to Elm street going back north for two blocks lining up for the long straight away on Main.
Runners continue along Main St rewarded with a small gradual downhill until near the 1.5 mile point. Main St then moves gradually back uphill and the race route continues this gradual incline after making a right turn onto 16th street until just before the 2 mile marker.
At this point the course is gradually downhill until after the turn onto Grady Street, where the route levels off. The now weary runners will take Grady north to 7th Street where a left turn is made. The route angles to the southwest onto Park Dr. The road then turns back due west for the final straightaway. It is now time for the runners to begin their finishing kicks as the 3 mile marker and the finish line back in Fair Park are finally in sight!
LESS
Great small community race
This race is very well run. It was a Grand Prix race for the LRCC series. This is the 3rd time I've run this race and will definitely go back … MORE
This race is very well run. It was a Grand Prix race for the LRCC series. This is the 3rd time I’ve run this race and will definitely go back again. The course is well marked and basically very flat. The weather was perfect this year – 69F. While the humidity was 88% it sure didn’t feel like it. Great community support!