Balloon Chase Run The Runway
5K Run/Walk
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COVID-19 Update
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Due to COVID-19, It is with heavy heart that Wausau Events has decided to cancel our Balloon Chase Run The Runway 5k Run/Walk Event for 2020. Don't worry, this event will be back in 2021! We have taken in all information and advice regarding this unique situation, and have come to the conclusion that this is in the best interest of the Wausau Community. We thank you for understanding during this odd time, and invite you to join us for our remaining events!​

​Wausau Downtown Airport
 We have teamed up with the Southeast Side Neighborhood Group to provide the ultimate 5K in the area! Hot Air Balloons will set up and launch from 6-7 a.m. See them launch and then run/walk throughout the airport grounds to view hot air balloons and airplanes up close! ​

REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1ST

​Registration Fee includes timed race, packet including t-shirt AND pancake breakfast following race. Spectators are welcome to join in the pancake breakfast for $7 per person.
Ways to Register!
Registration will be available online and via hard copy starting April 1. Please register by June 24 to guarantee yourself a t-shirt.

Register Online: 

​Hard Copy Form (Print & Mail): 
2019 Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor

​Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors


Pictures From Past Years
Race Information
DATE: Saturday, July 11, 2020

TIME: 7:30 a.m. Race Starts. Walkers/Strollers In Back Please. NO "Wheels" - bikes, roller blades, scooters, etc.
No Dogs Are Allowed.

LOCATION: Wausau Downtown Airport

REGISTRATION: $25 pre-race registration 
(credit card fees apply).  ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 10PM ON THURSDAY, JULY 11. Registration Deadline is June 24 to guarantee a t-shirt! Day-of registration will be $30 and a shirt is not guaranteed. Event will be full at 1,000 entries. Event will benefit Wausau Events & the Southeast Side Neighborhood both of which are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations.

Register Online

Hard Copy Registration:
PACKET PICK-UP: Packets can be picked up Friday night at the Camper at the Balloon & Rib Fest from 5-7pm or Saturday morning from 6am to 7:15am. Packets will include your race number with chip, race t-shirt, pancake breakfast ticket and more!

COURSE: The course starts and ends at the airport. It is flat, fast and scenic! NEW COURSE in 2020 goes along the runways inside the airport grounds for up close viewings of Hot Air Balloons and Airplanes and also in the SE Side Neighborhood! 

AGE GROUPS: There will be Male & Female Age Groups. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female runners as well as the top 3 finishers in each age group and gender. Awards will be handed out around 8:30am. Your race number must be clearly visible in order to register a time.
Age Groups Defined:

-14 & Under              -15-19                 -20-29                 -30-39                                -40-49                       -50-59.               -60-69                 -70+

PARKING: Parking is limited around the Airport.  Please obey all no parking signs on the streets!

WEATHER: The race will be ran rain or shine unless there is severe weather. There are no refunds due to race cancellation.

PANCAKES: Participants will receive a complimentary pancake breakfast as part of their registration. Family members, friends, spectators are welcome to join the racers and pay for a pancake breakfast as well for $7 per person! The breakfast is put on by the Kiwanis Club and runs from 6am to 11am.

BALLOONS: The Hot Air Balloons will set-up and launch between 6 and 6:30am, as long as the weather is right for them. Be sure to arrive for the spectacular site!

RESULTS: 2019 Results           2018 Results            2017 Results
                    2016 Results            2015 Results
The race begins and ends at the Wausau Downtown Airport. Parking will be limited so be sure to arrive early. Parking is at Airport Park a few blocks away or on the city streets. The Wausau Downtown Airport is at 725 Woods Place, Wausau, WI 54403