Watermelon Festival 5k and Melon Mile

The Watermelon Festival 5K Run at the 43rd Annual Hope Watermelon Festival was off to a fast start Saturday morning, August 10. The Watermelon 5K has been established since 1978, and has been part of the Arkansas Road Runners Club of America since 1994. The run started on South Mockingbird Lane and ended with runners crossing the finish line on Park Drive. The race is directed by Don Still. Family, friends, and coaches cheered on the runners as they crossed the finish line. Water and a slice of ice cold watermelon were handed out to the runners for a refreshing treat after they completed the run.

After the 5K a melon mile run for the kids was held. The young racers were not timed they ran down and back to cross the finish line. Medals were given to all the runners as the crossed the finish line.