Ready to chase the hot air balloon sky?
Picture this: a half marathon, your spouse, best friends, and hot air balloons. The result? An unforgettable race and breathtaking experience that’s nothing short of a heavenly! This is one of my all-time favorite race videos, enhanced by the perfect soundtrack!
The Pre-Dawn Rush: Balancing a Love for Running and Hot Air Balloon Spectacles
Getting up at 3:00 am for a 7:00 am start might seem daunting, but when you’re one of the few hundred thousand people heading to the world’s largest hot air balloon launch, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. The journey to the start line involves patiently navigating heavy traffic (for several hours) and ensuring you’re on time for an unforgettable kickoff to the race!
Building Anticipation: Miles 1-3 and the Promise of Hot Air Balloons
At the stroke of 7am, two extraordinary events unfold together. The Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon starts, and nearly 1,000 hot air balloons begin their majestic ascent. It’s a moment where the ground meets the sky, and the thrill of running intertwines with the beauty of balloons soaring above.
As hot air balloons slowly began to fill the sky, my good friend Jeramy and I set off through open fields, a widening dirt path, and winding streets.
Mile after mile, the sky became a colorful canvas, painting our run with a growing and unforgettable beauty.
Rise to the Run! Miles 4-10 amidst the Sandia Mountains, Rio Grande, and Balloon-Filled Skies
Any local will tell you that October is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico, made so in large part by the much-anticipated sight of colorful balloons punctuating the skyline. The next six miles (out and back) was a spectacle that transforms the horizon into a portrait of vibrant hues and whimsical shapes like nothing I have ever seen in my lifetime.
There are moments when words aren’t enough, and it’s best to let the images tell the story.
The Climatic Finish: Miles 11-13 and the Sweet Reward of a Spouse’s Cheers!
Out-and-back races aren’t usually my thing, but when the sky is painted with hot air balloons, it’s a different story! I’d estimate that I spent around 60-70% of the time with my eyes on the sky, marveling at the vibrant colors and creative styles of hot air balloons.
When I did look down, I saw inspiring and happy faces.
As I made my way back to the open field near Mile 12, the sky was a stunning mosaic of hot air balloons, each one a vibrant splash against the blue backdrop.
As the finish line came into view, the cheers of my friends Jeramy and Brittany Hall filled the air. Jeramy even ran the last hundred feet alongside me, adding an extra boost to my stride. When I was just 25 feet away, I heard my wife, Carrie, shouting from the rooftop, “Come on Jason, crush it, take it all the way baby. I love you, I love you, all the way, all the way!”
I could be in any corner of the globe, and having her by my side makes every race and memory profoundly special. Moments like these are truly irreplaceable and priceless.
I love you too Carrie Boschan.
