Watermel Run 5K set for Aug. 30 in Laurel
The second annual Watermel Run 5K will take place Sunday, Aug. 30, in Laurel at Janosik Park on Front Street.
The event is sponsored by and benefits the Mar-Del Watermelon Association, which helps promote buying local watermelon from local farmers, brokers and industry suppliers in Delaware and Maryland.
The association supports an annual banquet and watermelon queen pageant. The 2020 Watermelon Queen Leslie Webb will be at the 5K helping serve local watermelon. Local watermelon farmers will also be present.
The 5K run-walk will start at 8:30 a.m., with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. Information about online registration and race details can be found on www.races2run.com, along with how to become a event sponsor. Everyone will be treated to watermelon after the 5K, and those 21 and over can also try a Tito’s watermelon crush. There will also be a traditional watermelon seed-spitting contest. Medals will be given to overall male and female, masters, and top three finishers in 10-year age groups.
Precautions will be taken to ensure that Gov. John Carney’s Phase 2 guidance and CDC guidelines are followed. Chip timing will be used with wave starts a few minutes apart to promote social distancing. Masks must be worn by runners and walkers when they pick up their number and T-shirt. The Laurel Police Department will assist with traffic safety.
