Watermelon Festival run, walk set for Aug. 18
By Staff
Kim West, Franklin County Times
The annual Watermelon Festival 5K &1-Mile, sponsored by the Russellville High School majorettes, will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at Golden Tiger Stadium.
The 5K, a 3.1-mile race, will begin at 6 p.m. and the 1-mile run/walk will start at 6:30 p.m.
"The race starts and ends at stadium," said Rhonda Hargett, a race organizer. "This is the second year for the majorettes to sponsor it. The chamber offered it to us to us last year (as a fundraiser)."
Approximately 102 runners participated in either the 5K and 1-mile in 2006. Last year's male winner was Shawn Greenhill, 28, of Russellville (17:44) and Vannah Knight, 18, of Haleyville (23:25) in the 5K race and Reid Harrison, 11, of Town Creek (5:21.38) won the 1-mile race.
"We pay Shoals TRAC (Tennessee River Athletic Club) to come do our time for the race," Hargett said.
Pre-registration for both races ends Friday, Aug. 17. The 5K costs $15, and the 1-mile fee is $10. Every pre-registered runner is guaranteed a yellow Watermelon Run T-shirt.
"Even if you don't pre-register, you can still show up on the day of the race and register. Most runners know that if they can get there time, they can register before the race."
Late registration for the 5K is $18, and $12 for the 1-mile race.
Hargett said prizes will be given out for both races.
"We'll award medals to the winners," Hargett said. "The top three finishers will receive medals, along with the top three finishers for each age group, in the male and female divisions. We'll also recognize the overall winner for the male and female divisions.
Hargett said the 1-mile race is open to everyone, but the race allows younger runs to compete for a prize.
"We'll give medals in the age categories for the 1-mile up to age 16, although we have all ages participate in the race," Hargett said.
For more information, contact Hargett at (256) 762-7021 or (256) 331-9166 or visit the Shoals TRAC Web site at www.shoalstrac.com.
