You can enter this race from the comfort of your own armchair. Scared of heights? No problem, your feet are going to stay firmly on the ground for this challenge!

Race online from 1 - 7 May 2026

For £5, you can buy a virtual balloon, design it however you like and then watch it take part in a week‑long virtual online race during the 1-7 May 2026. Once the race starts, your balloon takes off and flies for a whole week.

How it works

Using real weather data including actual wind patterns, storms and Welsh unpredictability! If the weather decides to be dramatic, your balloon might end up halfway to France, or stuck in Brecon. It’s all part of the fun.

You can pilot your balloon during the race, inflate it, deflate it , and the one that travels the furthest in a straight line wins.

The actual real life wind patterns decide where your balloon goes. Which means some of you will be cheering… and some of you will be wondering why your balloon has taken a detour towards Aberystwyth.

You can buy as many balloons as you want

Balloons are £5 each and every balloon sold helps support the incredible young people and adults here at Elidyr Communities Trust. So you are not just racing, you are making a real difference, it’s a bit of fun with a real impact. Plus the winning balloon will get a wonderful abstract art painted canvas using balloons or an Elidyr treat hamper including soaps and smellies made by our wonderful residents and learners.