Balloon Chase 2026

About the Event

The Balloon Chase 2026 returns to Canton, Mississippi on June 27th, inviting runners and cyclists alike to partake in a unique race experience under the shadow of floating hot air balloons. This year's event continues its tradition of bringing together local communities with visitors from across the country for two non-competitive races: an evening run and a morning bike ride, all while supporting the Good Samaritan Center’s mission.
As dawn breaks over Canton on June 27th, cyclists will gather at the starting line for their respective routes. The air is crisp as participants lace up before setting off on well-marked paths that wind through scenic countryside roads or along city streets lined with colorful balloons. Whether it's a leisurely ten-mile ride or an exhilarating thirty miles around Canton’s picturesque landscapes, riders are treated to panoramic views and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. The evening run follows suit as runners make their way down quiet lanes illuminated by the glow of hot air balloons floating above.
Since its inception in 2018, Balloon Chase has become a beloved event for locals and tourists alike, celebrating community spirit while raising funds for meaningful causes. Over the years, thousands have participated in these races to enjoy not just the physical challenge but also the cultural spectacle that is the Mid-Mississippi hot air balloon festival. Each participant receives an exclusive race t-shirt, medal, and a VIP dinner voucher as token of their contribution. This year’s event promises to be no less enchanting, with new routes for cyclists adding excitement and variety.

Evening Run - 2 MILES (6:30PM start time)
2mi • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $55.73

Evening Run - 4 MILES (6:30PM start time)
4mi • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $55.73

Kid's Fun Run (to be held immediately before the 2
1mi • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $34.23

Morning Bike + Evening Run COMBO - (10mi bike + 2/
Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $71.85

Morning Bike + Evening Run COMBO - (30mi bike + 2/
Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $71.85

Morning Bike Ride - 10 MILE (7AM start time)
10mi • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $55.73

Morning Bike Ride - 30 MILE (7AM start time)
30mi • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $55.73

The Balloon Chase 2026 offers several distance options tailored to different fitness levels and schedules. Cyclists can choose from either the morning ten-mile or thirty-mile ride, starting at sunrise on June 27th in Canton’s heart. The evening run features a two-mile option for those preferring shorter distances as well as a four-mile course that challenges runners with its winding path through Canton's streets and parks. Additionally, there is an opportunity to combine both the morning bike ride and the evening run into one comprehensive event experience.
Registration for Balloon Chase 2026 opens early at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114693/balloon-chase-2026 where participants can secure their spots by selecting from various distance options and payment plans. Early bird discounts are available, making it a wise move to register sooner rather than later. Bib pickup will take place at the Canton Community Center on June 25th and 26th between noon and 7 PM for those unable to pick up beforehand online.
The start location is conveniently located in downtown Canton, near landmarks such as City Hall and the local library. Participants must be at least sixteen years old to compete but a kid’s fun run allows younger participants aged five to twelve to join their families on race day with an additional one-quarter mile distance for children starting immediately after the adult runs conclude.
The Balloon Chase 2026 in Canton, Mississippi on June 27th is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community and charity. Whether you're cycling through dawn or running under the glow of hot air balloons at dusk, this event offers an unforgettable day filled with scenic routes, friendly competition, and meaningful contributions to local causes.

Races Offered

Evening Run - 2 MILES (6:30PM start time)

Jun 27, 2026

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Distance — 2mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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18:30

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$55.73

Evening Run - 4 MILES (6:30PM start time)

Jun 27, 2026

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Distance — 4mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

18:30

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$55.73

Kid's Fun Run (to be held immediately before the 2

Jun 27, 2026

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Distance — 1mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

18:30

sell

$34.23

Morning Bike + Evening Run COMBO - (10mi bike + 2/

Jun 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

18:30

sell

$71.85

Morning Bike + Evening Run COMBO - (30mi bike + 2/

Jun 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 32mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

18:30

sell

$71.85

Morning Bike Ride - 10 MILE (7AM start time)

Jun 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

18:30

sell

$55.73

Morning Bike Ride - 30 MILE (7AM start time)

Jun 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 30mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

18:30

sell

$55.73

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Canton.

thermostat Temperature

21.7° / 31.5°

wb_sunny Feels like

23.7° / 34.1°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

12h 20m

water_drop Avg rainfall

4.6 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

8.5 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Very high

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

Very High (8.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

76.5%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:52

nightlight Sunset

20:07

About Canton

Learn more about the host city, Canton.

Canton is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Mississippi, United States, and is situated in the northern part of the metropolitan area surrounding the state capital, Jackson. The population of Canton was 10,948 at the 2020 census, down from 13,189 in 2010.