Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5k

Event 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 with hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes, and another between mile 1 and 2 of the course offering water and first aid.

Additional Information

• Race Day Schedule:
• Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00 - 7:15 AM
• Announcements and 5K call to start: 7:20 AM
• 5K Race Start: 7:30 AM
• 1 Mile Fun Run Start: 8:30 AM
• Awards: 8:45 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 to check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up.
• Can I register on race day: Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 6:45 AM to support our planned start time. ALL Race Day registrations must be completed on RunSignUp.
• Where do I get my packet: Pick up your race packet starting at 6:00 am race day morning at Russellville High School.
• I’m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib: Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!
• Are t-shirts included with registration: Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!
• When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt: End of day August 1st. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts.
• Are there medals: Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+), and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each of the 10-year age groups.
• 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 near the race START/FINISH area at Russellville High School.
• Are strollers allowed: Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.
• Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course: We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed.
• Are pets allowed: Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. This rule is strictly ENFORCED.
• Is the race timed: Yes, this event 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, there are rolling hills along the course with a grade of <10%.
• Do I have to be an experienced runner: No — all ages and paces are welcome!
• I’d like to participate. Can I just walk: Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone!
• I have more questions: Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!

For more information, visit the official race page.