MUSCATINE, Iowa–Over the 46 years runners have gathered in Muscatine for the Watermelon Stampede, the race has seen its fair share of changes. Started in the late 1970s in the same era as the Bix in the Quad Cities, the Stampede originally made up part of the festivities during Great River Days. When that event moved to July, the Stampede remained in August to ensure runners could still win fresh watermelons as prizes. No longer tied to the festival, the race started at various locations, including Muscatine High School and downtown Muscatine. This year, race organizers look forward to continuing the recent tradition of holding the Kids’ Stampede at the Muscatine Community Y (1823 Logan Street in Muscatine) on Aug.18 and introducing older children and adults to a new race route starting at the Y on the morning of Aug. 19.
A beloved race for almost five decades, the fun will begin with the Kids’ Watermelon Stampede on Aug. 18. Beginning at noon and continuing into the early evening, any toddlers who can run through 12-year-olds can compete in events against others in their age groups. Children four and under will run the 100-meter dash, and children five to six will run a quarter mile. Non-competitive events, these races will give little runners a chance to have fun. Seven and eight-year-olds, nine and 10-year-olds, and 11 and 12-year-olds will each run half a mile. The first male and female finishers in each division will receive a watermelon, and the top six male and female finishers will earn medals. All finishers will receive commemorative ribbons.
The following morning, the Watermelon Stampede five and 10-kilometer races will start at the Y at 8 a. m. Older children and adults will run through Muscatine’s West Hill, experiencing a brand new course while avoiding all the area’s road construction. Volunteers and hydration stations strategically placed on corners will ensure runners feel safe and comfortable. Members of the Muscatine Police Department will also assist with the race, preventing traffic from interfering with the runners. The top male and female finishers in each age group will receive watermelons, and the top three male and female placers in each category will also get medals.
Runners of the 45th annual Watermelon Stampede in 2023. Photo courtesy of the Muscatine Running Club.
At both events, runners will automatically have their names entered into drawings for additional free watermelons. Runners will also get Watermelon Stampede stickers to place on their cars, water bottles, school folders, or anything else they want to put them on. They will also get race t-shirts while supplies last.
Over the years, the Watermelon Stampede has remained a favorite event with local and regional runners. This year, Race Director Dell Wagner anticipates 100 to 120 kids will do the Kids’ Watermelon Stampede and 300-350 youths and adults will compete in the five and 10-kilometer races. Registration remains open, so any runners still interested in competing may sign up either online via the Muscatine Running Club’s website or by printing off an application and mailing it and payment to the address on the form.
One of Muscatine County’s longest-running sports competitions, Wagner looks forward to continuing this event and refreshing the route with assistance from the Y. “I think the most exciting thing is the new course and the use of the Muscatine Community Y, which has all the facilities we need,” he said. “It makes it really simple for us to give participants a good time.”
