Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5k

Race Overview

You don't get to 44 years by accident, and the 44th Annual Franklin Watermelon 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run is back again serving up every ounce of small‑town summer magic the watermelon capitol of Alabama is known for. Join us on Saturday, August 15th as runners hit a brand‑new course before diving straight into the sweetest tradition of all: free, ice‑cold watermelon waiting at the FINISH! With a festival‑themed race shirt, a finish line hyped up with Watermelon Festival energy, and that unmistakable hometown charm that makes this event a North Alabama favorite, this year’s race is set to be the juiciest way to celebrate this summer.

Course

2026 5K Course

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

• SWAG: All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on August 1st are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.
• Medals and Prizes: Awards for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+).
• Aid Stations: There will be two aid and recovery stations, one at the START/FINISH line and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course.
• Hydration: The aid station at the START/FINISH line will have hydration and first aid, while the on-course aid station will have water and first aid.

Additional Information

• Race Day Schedule: Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00 - 7:15 AM.
• Announcements: 5K call to start: 7:20 AM.
• 5K Race Start: 7:30 AM.
• 1 Mile Fun Run Start: 8:30 AM.

FAQ

• Who does this race benefit? Russellville High School Cross Country.
• Where is the race? START/FINISH at opposite ends of the Football Stadium.
• When is the event? Saturday, August 15, 2026 - 7:30 am CT RACE START.
• What time should I arrive? Please plan to arrive prior to 6:45 AM to leave yourself adequate time for check-in and warming up.

• Can I register on race day? Yes, race day registrations are allowed until 15 minutes before race start, but arrive early as there will be a line.
• Where do I get my packet? Race packet pickup starts at 6:00 am on race day at Russellville High School.
• I’m part of a group. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! You’ll need their full name.
• Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if registered before the t-shirt deadline.

• When is the deadline for t-shirt guarantee? End of day August 1st.
• Are there medals? Prizes for top overall male/female, and top 3 finishers in each age group.
• What are the age groups? Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
• Where do I park? FREE Parking is available at Russellville High School.

• Are strollers allowed? Yes, they are welcome at the back of the pack.
• Are pets allowed? Yes, well-socialized leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack.
• Is the race timed? Yes, it is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.
• Is the 5K course certified? No, the 5K course is not certified.

• Is the 1 Mile course certified? No, the Fun Run course is not certified.
• Does the 5k course have hills? Yes, rolling hills with a grade of <10%.
• Do I have to be an experienced runner? No, all ages and paces welcome!
• I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! You will not be alone!

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!

More Information

For more information, visit the race page at Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5K.