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Trinity Solar has signed on as title sponsor of the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning’s 13th annual 5K race.

Scheduled for 8 a.m. July 30 at Solberg Airport in Readington, the Trinity Solar Running with the Balloons 5K will give participants a chance to race through a one-of-a-kind setting—the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.

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 and race past the hot air balloon launch field while Sunday morning’s mass 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 top male and female winners will each receive a free ride in a hot air balloon.

Sanctioned by USA Track & Field, the race has been featured on the nationally syndicated television show “Running.”

The Active Times called it one of the Top 10 5K races in the United States with its competitive field, fast course, scenic setting and charitable support, while USA Today ranked the event as one of 10 great 5K runs to build a vacation around.

Christopher Garner, corporate vice president of Trinity Solar, said in a statement, “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,” he added.

“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 hardcore runner or family and friends just out for a fun run and a good time together.”

Registration is now open here.

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 also 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.

“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.”

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Howard Freeman at [email protected].

The three-day festival, which returns to Solberg Airport on July 28, 29 and 30, will feature up to 100 gigantic, colorful hot air balloons, along with headlining concerts by Grammy Award-winning artists, attractions, fireworks and food.