The Southwestern Community College cross country and track and field programs will host the Creston Balloon Chase 5K and Fun Run Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in conjunction with the 42nd annual Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days in Creston.

This marks the first year the Spartan cross country and track and field programs have hosted the Balloon Days weekend event, taking over for Southern Prairie YMCA, which had been the previous host of the event.

Cost of the 5K race is $25 and entries submitted by Sept. 7 are guaranteed a SWCC T-shirt. The fun run is free.

Awards will be given to the to top overall male and female finishers, as well as to the top three finishers in each of the following male and female age groups: 7 and under, 8-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-34, 35-49, and 50 and over.

Check in on the day of the event will begin at 7 a.m. in McKinley Park by the pool. The 5K race will start at 8 a.m., with the fun run beginning at approximately 9 a.m. The 5K will be chip timed.

The run will start and finish in McKinley Park. The course is fully paved and will follow a 50/50 split of the city streets and the Creston walking trail. An aid station will be set up approximately halfway.

To register for the event, click here.

The Creston Balloon Chase 5K and Fun Run will help raise funds for the 2019-20 SWCC cross country and track and field programs.