2026 Escape the Swamp Triathlon

Race Information

The race starts at 8:00 AM.

Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.

All runners must register on RunSignup.

No on-site registration.

5K & 10K Course (0.78M)

https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6678570354/

This course is an out-and-back. (1.56M)

5K does the course two times.

10K does the course four times.

Course Time Limit

2 hours.

Finisher Medals

https://usroadrunning.com/FinisherMedals.php

Shirt and Gear Shop

https://usroadrunning.com/Gear.php

Best Costume

https://usroadrunning.com/BestCostume.php

Series Points

https://usroadrunning.com/S.php

Awards

https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php

Frequently Asked Questions and Information

https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php

US Road Running

https://usroadrunning.com

Race Information

The race starts at 8:00 AM.

Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.

All runners must register on RunSignup.

No on-site registration.

5K & 10K Course (0.78M)

https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6678570354/

This course is an out-and-back. (1.56M)

5K does the course two times.

10K does the course four times.

Course Time Limit

2 hours.

Finisher Medals

https://usroadrunning.com/FinisherMedals.php

Shirt and Gear Shop

https://usroadrunning.com/Gear.php

Best Costume

https://usroadrunning.com/BestCostume.php

Series Points

https://usroadrunning.com/S.php

Awards

https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php

Frequently Asked Questions and Information

https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php

US Road Running

https://usroadrunning.com

🍉 Gainesville’s Favorite Fourth of July Tradition

Start your Independence Day with 3 miles, rolling hills, and a slice of watermelon at the finish.

The Melon Run is one of the Florida Track Club's largest events of the year and as much a part of July 4th as BBQ and fireworks. This community favorite brings runners of all ages together for a festive, fun, and slightly hilly celebration.

🍉 The Race

• 3-mile rolling course

• Age-group awards in 10-year increments

• Age-group winners receive a watermelon

• Post-race refreshments (yes, more watermelon)

👑 Bonus Events

• Free ½-mile kids run

• Crowning of the Melon Run King and Queen after the races

👕 Registration Details

Register by June 19 at 11:59 PM to select a race tank top.

• No tank tops available after June 19, 2025

• Price (no tank option) increases after June 19

• Price increases again after June 27

• Race tanks will not be held if you do not attend

👟 Youth Pricing (12 & Under)

• $25 regular registration

• $15 no-tank option

Pricing automatically adjusts based on age on July 4, 2025.

Children receive the additional discount with a family membership.

📍 Race Day Information

Start Time: 8:00 AM

Location: Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Park

1001 NW 34th Street

Gainesville, FL 32605

Parking: Use the large lot on the west side of the park off NW 34th Street.

Bib Pick-Up: Begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the pool near the finish line (east side of the park)

⚠️ Race Day Registration = Online Only

Register online through 7:30 AM on race morning using your phone or computer, then pick up your bib.

• No in-person registration assistance

• No paper forms

• No in-person payments

💳 FTC Member Discount

FTC Members:

Log in to your FTC account and click the "Local Races" tab for the discount code. Enter that code on the payment page during registration.

Not a member yet? Join the Florida Track Club and take part in 9 free races and 3 discounted events each year.

Annual Membership Rates:

• Individual: $40

• Family: $65

• Student: $25

• Senior (65+): $25 individual / $40 family

(Email us to set up Senior membership.)

Three miles. Rolling hills. Watermelon at the finish.

There’s no better way to kick off the Fourth of July in Gainesville. 🇺🇸🍉

Race Information

The race starts at 8:00 AM.

Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.

All runners must register on RunSignup.

No on-site registration.

5K & 10K Course (0.78M)

https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6678570354/

This course is an out-and-back. (1.56M)

5K does the course two times.

10K does the course four times.

Course Time Limit

2 hours.

Finisher Medals

https://usroadrunning.com/FinisherMedals.php

Shirt and Gear Shop

https://usroadrunning.com/Gear.php

Best Costume

https://usroadrunning.com/BestCostume.php

Series Points

https://usroadrunning.com/S.php

Awards

https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php

Frequently Asked Questions and Information

https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php

US Road Running

https://usroadrunning.com

Get ready, Gainesville, FL, for 4.3 mile OCR with 23+ obstacles and the monster 140-foot finishers rig set in Gainesville Fl, only 40 minutes from Jacksonville. Your abilities will be tested as you encounter the massive mud holes and 140-foot-plus finisher rig. SOME COW PATTIES in the fields, light swamps, muddy streams, rolling pine forests, and NEW and exciting obstacles for 2025. This course will challenge even the experienced runners and set new standards of family fun.

50-yard timed Ninja run. Start time is 10:45 - 1:45, with the top 10 runners going head to head for the best time for winning placements. This is an OCR Ninja run 100% completion for final placements. Side by side, two lanes starting at 2:00

5-mile trail run/walk starts at 1:15. At the start line, It is going to be run in mostly wooded spots. 2 water stops will be on the course.

National Anthem—I request all first responders, law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, retired and active military personnel, and veterans to meet me at the flagpole at 7:55 and join me personally as we salute the flag for the national anthem.

Packet Pickup - Packet pickup will open at 7:15 a.m. Athletes will receive their custom OCR OVERLOAD bib and timing strap. This strap must be worn on your ankle throughout the race, but will be turned back in as soon as you cross the finish line. Or run the race Friday night ( just no fun rigs till Saturday)

Water Stations - We will have three water stations on the course at the heavy carry obstacles. Please be very respectful of the property and throw your water bottle in the garbage can at the carry.

Elite Wave Obstacle Completion & Wrist Bands

Elite athletes must have 100% obstacle completion to be in the running for any points awarded to the Florida Championship Series in 2026. There is no limit to how many times you can do an obstacle before you choose to give up your band.

The rules of the low rigs.

Your feet cannot touch the ground. You can use the trusses during the transition points from one apparatus to the other.

There are no penalties for failing an obstacle. You must have 100% completion with your band. I suggest you take your time at the rigs and complete them. Because you never know, the person in front of you may not have the wristbands.

Elite Heat Awards for both men and women.

Podium opportunities: 0-50 ELITE RUNNERS

1st place - $200

2nd place - $150

3rd place - $100

100% obstacle completion is required.

Podium opportunities: 51- 100 ELITE RUNNERS

1st place - $400.00

2nd place - $200.00

3rd place - $150.00

100% obstacle completion is required.

Open Wave

RULES: Go out, have fun, and enjoy yourself. The volunteers will be out there to help you along the way. Do not worry about failing and obstacles because we are all there to play in the mud and have fun. There are no penalties for failing an obstacle. No Burpees, no penalty labs or anything like that. OCR OVERLOAD aims to get people and families out to enjoy themselves. We have several signature obstacles as well as base obstacles for everyone to try and enjoy.

T-Shirts & Medals - Race Swag will be available for pickup as you complete the race at the finish line.

Showers - There is a nice water hose station ready.

BBQ, Beer, and Wine- We have a local food vendor company that will be on site. We have a finisher beer and wine for everybody who is over the age of 21. And we have plenty for everyone.

PARKING $10.00 Cash only at Venue !!

Please don't forget about the 2nd lap run/walk benefit for Chain Saw Rick

This is a discounted benefit lap with proceeds going to help Rick, an amazing man who has helped so many people on and off the trails. Please click the link for more info and the discount code.

Volunteer Race

We need Volunteers at each race, 30 of them, yes, 30. We discount the race down to $2.00, which is the cost to race after you volunteer. Or we can donate $40.00 to any group or charity within 7 days of your Volunteer service. Volunteer hours is simple 4 hour blocks.