The Watermelon Classic 5k road race has been run in Jackson, MS every July 4th morning since 1983. With the illness and subsequent death of the race's founder, Bill Johnson, the Museum took over organization of the race in 1997 with ongoing assistance from the Mississippi Track Club. Because of its annual holiday timing, the Watermelon Classic attracts a large, diverse field of entrants, ranging from major college scholarship runners and Olympic team members to Mom, Dad and the kids out to spend holiday time together.

*Whenever July 4th falls on a Sunday the race will be run on Saturday.

The family friendly race consists of a 5K run, 5K Walk, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS Fun Run and tot trot for ages 3 & under. Goody bags are presented to each entrant. and tot trot.

The race is being presented this year by
Baptist Health Systems, Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency and Pinelake Baptist Church.

Contributing Sponsors are Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS, Mississippi Sports Medicine, Inc., Supporting sponsors are MISS103, Z106,Q105,and WAPT-TV.
Other contributors are Fleet Feet Sports, Kroger, Stinky Feet Athletics and Coca-Cola Bottling Company .

Click here to download a Registration form for theMississippi Sports Hall of Fame Watermelon Classic!

Baptist Health Systems: www.mbhs.org

Donate Life Mississippi:
 www.donatelifems.org

Pinelake Church:   www.pinelake.org