Virtual Balloon Races
Join our virtual balloon races
Virtual balloon races are environmentally friendly, no lost balloons for wildlife to get tangled in, and a great way to have fun with friends and family, wherever they are in the world!
We will schedule a number of balloon races throughout the year themed to calendar events such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, etc. You can choose to take part in any race you like.
When
The races always start at midday and run for 7 days. Each event page holds the full details of each race and their dates. Click on the links at the bottom of the page, to go to race pages.
Where
Balloons will launch 'virtually' from a place in keeping with the theme, for example past Halloween races have started from Bran Castle in Romania, which is also known as Dracula's Castle.
How
When the race starts, you can track your balloon's progress here: https://ecoracing.co/race/launch/50. Each balloon's progress is charted using mathematical and physics algorithms to simulate a flight pattern based on your balloon’s individual flight parameters plus the real weather conditions at that actual time, such as the prevailing wind speed and current temperature. An advanced computer modelling programme is then linked to a mapping provider and Aeris, a commercial global weather data supplier.
Prizes
The winners of each race receive a prize (please be aware that Skylarks isn't the only charity or group taking part)
1st Prize - £500
2nd Prize - iPod
3rd Prize - 10 lucky winners get a £10 Book Voucher
Each balloon costs £3 and you can personalise your balloon - choosing the shape, colour and pattern, and even the name of your balloon. You can also decide what thickness of (virtual) rubber to use and how much helium to fill it with!
Easter Balloon Race - 31st March, launching from Mexico City
May Balloon Race - 1 May, Haymarket Square, Chicago
You can track the progress of your balloon on Google maps, to see where in the world it is. But be prepared, not all balloons make it to their destination safely...some may pop along the way.