Balloon Races - The Reno Hot Air Balloon Races and Gordon Bennett Cup

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One of the first long distance gas Balloon Races began almost 100 years ago in Paris, France . Participants arrived from all over the world to take part in the race which involved travelling as far as possible from the launching point in the Tuileries Gardens . Today, hot air ballooning has become a popular sport with numerous balloon races being held all over the world.

Although most balloon pilots partake in the sport for recreational and enjoyment purposes, some do choose to participate competitively. Just like in any other sport, competitive ballooning events are governed by specific rules and regulations. These are set by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, or International Ballooning Commission as it is usually called.

Balloon pilots compete for world titles in a number of categories including distance, duration and altitude. Duration races are generally more common than distance events, due to the fact that exact distance travelled in the air is often difficult to measure from the ground. Altitude competitions usually fall into a separate category altogether due to the fact that distinct types of balloons and ballooning equipment need to be used. Balloons usually travel at altitudes of between 500 and 2000 feet. Currently, the world ballooning altitude record stands at over 64 000 feet.

The majority of balloon races are held in the USA . One of the most famous balloon races, and indeed the only long distance balloon fiesta to be held in the United States is the Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race. The contest begins in Helen in the State of Georgia , and ends when the first person crosses the I-95 anywhere between Miami and Maine . The race typically spans over 225 miles and takes between two and five days to complete.

Reno Races and Carnival

Other well known races in the USA include the Great Mississippi Balloon Race in Natchez Mississippi and the Great Forest Park Balloon Race in St Louis , Missouri . The Great Reno Balloon Race is renowned for its electric carnival atmosphere and sees balloonists from all over the world taking to the skies over Reno . The race is comprised of a number of exciting events including the Hare and Hound Race and Balloon Blackjack to name but a few.

Globally, balloon races are also becoming more and more popular. The Gordon Bennett Cup is a prestigious international event that dates back to the beginning of the last century. The first race began in Paris in 1906 and was won by an American pilot by the name of Frank Lahm. Back then the rules of the competition stipulated that the next event had to be hosted by the country of the winning pilot, a tradition which is continued to this day.

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Balloon Races - The Reno Hot Air Balloon Races and Gordon Bennett Cup

Reno Races and Carnival

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