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Trinity Solar Powers ‘Running with the Balloons 5K’ offers a race experience unlike any other at New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning

READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – In this race, you can fly high and zoom fast in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting.

Offering a racing experience unlike any other, the “Trinity Solar Running with the Balloons 5K” provides participants with the unique opportunity to run through the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America as up to 100 hot air balloons are inflating and flying overhead.

This year’s 13th annual race at the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning will take place Sunday, July 30, at 8:00 a.m. at Solberg Airport in Readington Township.

“We’re excited to have Trinity Solar launch our biggest Health & Wellness Day ever as we celebrate 40 years of the magic of ballooning and creating magical experiences for our guests,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman. “Everything about this 5K is distinctive and will be thoroughly enjoyed whether you’re a hard-core runner or family and friends just out for a fun run and a good time together.”

“We are thrilled to be part of the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, which has been a marquee New Jersey attraction for decades. As a family-owned business headquartered in New Jersey, Trinity Solar is excited to interact with families and members of the community at this very special event. We think this is a great opportunity to get to know people, and hope they get to know a little bit about the benefits of solar energy while enjoying the unique experiences of the festival,” said Christopher Garner, corporate vice president of Trinity Solar.

Combining the elements of cross-country with a traditional road race, this flat, fast, low-impact course features a mix of surfaces. Runners start on a grass field near the festival’s Family Fun Center and race past the balloon launch field while Sunday morning’s mass hot air balloon ascension takes place. The course takes them along different surfaces including a dirt road around Solberg Airport and finishes on pavement in the heart of the festival.

 The USATF-sanctioned race is a must on every runner’s summer racing calendar and has been featured on the nationally syndicated show, “RUNNING”, televised on the YES Network and FOX Sports regional networks across the country.

 USA TODAY named it one of the 10 great 5K runs to build a vacation around for its spectacular scenery and The Active Times has called it one of the Top 10 5K races in the United States with its competitive field, fast course, scenic setting and charitable support.

 A signature feature of the “Trinity Solar Running With The Balloons 5K” race is its unique start. Anyone can use an air horn or starter’s pistol. This year the official race starter will be a member of the Fearless Flores Family Thrill Show perched 55 feet above the ground on the awe-inspiring “Sway Pole.”

 The experience doesn’t end there: the top male and female winners each receive a free ride in a hot air balloon.

 All runners’ entries include free all-day admission into the festival, free parking with advanced registration, lawn seating to Sunday afternoon’s concert by Fitz and The Tantrums and access to the Sunday morning and evening scheduled mass hot air balloon ascensions. The top three overall male and female finishers each receive non-cash prizes. 

 In keeping with the festival’s belief in “doing well by doing good,” a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization, whose mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in every community and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

 “The Trinity Solar Running with the Balloons also provides a great setting and affordable way for local companies and businesses to be part of the Festival and the biggest party of the summer,” added Freeman. “We’re very much a community event and there are great opportunities for smaller businesses to be involved.”

 The 40th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning takes flight July 28-29-30, 2023 and features up to 100 hot air balloons taking flight twice each day, live concerts, a nighttime hot air balloon glow, affordable family entertainment and attractions, comfort food and more.

To learn more or to register for the Trinity Solar Running with the Balloons 5K, visit balloonfestival.com/entertainment/balloons-5k/

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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