Gainesville’s Favorite Fourth of July Tradition Start your Independence Day with 3 miles, rolling hills, and a slice of watermelon at the finish. The Melon Run is one of the Florida Track Club's largest events of the year and as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks. This community favorite brings runners of all ages together for a festive, fun, and slightly hilly celebration. The Race • 3-mile rolling course • Age-group awards in 10-year increments • Age-group winners receive a watermelon • Post-race refreshments (yes, more watermelon) Bonus Events • Free ½-mile kids run • Crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races Registration Details Register by June 19 at 11:59 PM to select a race tank top. • No tank tops available after June 19, 2025 • Price (no tank option) increases after June 19 • Price increases again after June 27 • Race tanks will not be held if you do not attend Youth Pricing (12 & Under) • $25 regular registration • $15 no-tank option Pricing automatically adjusts based on age on July 4, 2025. Children receive the additional discount with a family membership. Race Day Information Start Time: 8:00 AM Location: Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Park 1001 NW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32605 Parking: Use the large lot on the west side of the park off NW 34th Street. Bib Pick-Up: Begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the pool near the finish line (east side of the park) ⚠️ Race Day Registration = Online Only Register online through 7:30 AM on race morning using your phone or computer, then pick up your bib. • No in-person registration assistance • No paper forms • No in-person payments FTC Member Discount FTC Members: Log in to your FTC account and click the "Local Races" tab for the discount code. Enter that code on the payment page during registration. Not a member yet? Join the Florida Track Club and take part in 9 free races and 3 discounted events each year.
3 Miles: Tank Top
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Miles | $35.00 | Feb 2 | Jun 19 |
| 3 Mile Run (No Tank Top) | $25.00 | Feb 2 | Jun 19 |
| $30.00 | Jun 20 | Jun 27 | |
| $35.00 | Jun 28 | Jul 4 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 230 | 29:00 | 15:31 |
| 2021 | 190 | 27:54 | 15:30 |
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