Would you like to run with our beautiful balloons?

For those of us who are runners, running in the midst of beautiful scenery gives us a bit of an extra pep in our step.  These days there are races that are all kinds of unusual and some of us constantly seek them out to keep us engaged and get us motivated.  How about a 5k where you get to run a flat course, in the fall, with lots of beautiful hot air balloons flying overhead? 

This year on Sunday, October 20, the first Carolina BalloonFest 5k and Kids Fun Run will take place.  What an amazing way to run a 5k and what a great way to encourage your kids to stay active!  If you have never run a 5k before, but have it on your bucket list, why not begin here?  (You have plenty of time to train!)  For those of you interested in posting a good time, the course is flat and it should be fast.  But watch out for those people who are constantly looking up at the balloons and not at the path ahead.  We don't want any collisions!

The cost for the 5k is $25 before September 1; $20 for the Kids Fun Run.  You'll get a t-shirt, admission to the festival for the day, free parking and lawn seats for the afternoon concert.  Each kid will also receive a finisher's medal.  Bling!

The course begins and ends on the runway at the Statesville Municipal Airport, but will take you outside the airport and by the airport hangars of some of NASCAR's finest drivers and teams.  A slightly unusual race, that should give you wonderful memories for years to come.

The race is sponsored by Thorlo, the maker of great socks for runners everywhere.  

Oh...and you'll be supporting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Statesville (the primary beneficiary of the 2013 Carolina BalloonFest) and other local charities.  More great reasons to get up for a little morning run!

For more information, go to RacingToes.com to register early or check out the Facebook page "Carolina BalloonFest 5K and Kids Fun Run".

Meet you on the track!

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