- April 9, 2026
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A man carrying an American flag stands in front of runners as they prepare for the Watermelon 5K in downtown Winter Park.
Runners take in the national anthem before kicking off the Watermelon 5K
And off they go! Runners set off as they competed in the Watermelon 5k in downtown on Tuesday morning.
Rachel Foss dons her red, white, and blue as she carries an American flag during the Watermelon 5K.
Runners race down Park Avenue during the start of the Watermelon 5K.
Runners streak down the bricks of Park Avenue during the start of the Watermelon 5K.
Runners race down Park Avenue during the start of the Watermelon 5K.
Krista Roehlig, first place winner in the women’s division, raises her hands as she races toward the finish line.
A runner shows off his American pride on the backstretch of the Watermelon 5K
Chris Gielarowski, center, flies a United States Marine Corps flag down the final leg of the Watermelon 5K early Tuesday morning.
A runner carries a watermelon with him toward the finish line.
Joe Grinstead, masked and carrying an American flag, participates in the Watermelon 5K.
Runners pass through the finish line in downtown Winter Park.
Sliced watermelon sit in large trays for runners to enjoy after the tough Watermelon 5K.
Chad Rogers, 4, picks out a big slice of watermelon for himself during post race festivities.
Six contestants compete in a watermelon-eating contest to celebrate the completion of the Watermelon 5K.
With hands behind his back, Greg Wahler takes huge bites out of his watermelon during the watermelon-eating contest.
Yelena Sereda goes face first into a watermelon as she competes in the watermelon-eating contest.
Cole Dedekind, 6, gets his face painted during post-race activities in the park.
Riley Dedekind, 3, looks on as her brother, Cold, 6, gets his face painted as they enjoy post-race activities in the park.
The Fourth of July started early for folks in and around the Winter Park area. At 7 a.m., thousands of runners paced their way down Park Avenue as they participated in the 2017 Watermelon 5k race. Weary competitors were met at the finish line by the cheering of family, friends, and others before making their way over to the park to enjoy some ice-cold watermelon. Children competed in their own mini-race, and were also rewarded with watermelon and face painting.
