Running with the Balloons 5K

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning presents its 11th annual Running with the Balloons 5K race on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ.  It’s an exciting category of race, combining the elements of cross-country with a traditional road race.

The Race has been featured on a Nationally syndicated Running Show on BOTH the YES Network and Fox Sports Regionals across the USA. Click HERE to watch highlights of the 2018 Running with the Balloons 5K!

A signature feature of Running With The Balloons is our unique race start.  Anyone can use an airhorn or starter’s pistol.  This year The Human Cannonball, a death-defying thrill act presented by the New Jersey Lottery, will serve as the official starting gun, as the explosion propelling him 75 feet in the air over the crowd will signify the start of the 5K.  

All COVID related protocols will be followed on race day.

All runners’ entries include a full-day pass to the festival – highlighted by two mass hot air balloon ascensions (a $40 value if purchased at the gate), free parking ($10 value) and lawn seating for Sunday afternoon’s headline concert - Styx - at 3PM.  And of course a commemorative tech t-shirt.  AT $44 PRE-REGISTRATION YOU'RE GETTING THE RACE FOR FREE!!

EXTRA BONUS - the top overall male and female finishers will each win a free ride in a hot air balloon!  
 
Race time is 8 a.m.  Join over 1,000 runners on our fun, flat, fast, low-impact USATF-NJ certified 5K course with a mix of surfaces including pavement, gravel, dirt road, and grass.  Start and finish right in the heart of the festival and be cheered on by thousands of our attendees.  Add to this the spectacle of over 100 hot-air balloons taking off in a grand mass ascension and you have the most unique 5K in the country!  
 
Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in 5 year age groups:  14 and under, 15 - 19, 20 to  80+.  
 
Are you up for the challenge!?!
 
Non-Refundable Registration Fee
 
Pre-registration to June 20th:                   Adults are $45, Child ages 4-12 are $32
Pre-registration June 21st- July 21st:       Adults are $50, Child ages 4-12 are $37
After July 21st & Race Day registration:     Adult $65 ($40 admission + $25 race fee), Child $40 ($15 admission + $25 race fee)  *Festival parking is not included.  

USATF - $3 discount until 7/15After July 21st, the only way to register for the race will be to register on-site (7/25) at the 5K registration tent on-site at the festival. Runners who register on-site will not receive free parking, or festival admission and are not guaranteed a race t-shirt. The on-site registration fee is $25 for both adults and children. As a reminder, runners wishing to register on-site must purchase a separate festival admission ticket (Gate General Admission tickets are $40 for Adults and $15 for Children) and festival parking ($10).

PLEASE NOTE:  Race Day Registrations DO include a full day pass to the festival but DO NOT include free parking. 

After registering, please print out your confirmation e-mail - or have it displayed on your smart phone - because it's important for the following:
1) Free parking - Please show the confirmation e-mail to the parking attendant so you can park without paying the $10 fee.
2) Free Admission - Please show your e-mail at the main gate to receive admission into the Festival.
3) Check-in - Please present the e-mail at runner check-in!
 
"Day of" race registration, as well as bib/t-shirt pickup, are from 6:45 am to 7:45 am.  Arrive early, as you don't want to be pressed for time.
 
USATF Certified/Sanctioned worth 500 Grand Prix Points
USATF Members:  $3 discount until July 17th  
 
Computer Timing:  Tristate Timing
 
Event details and schedule
 
Sunday, July 25th.  

6:45 am - Race day check in and registration opens

8:00 am - Race Start

9:00 am - Awards