The Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk starts at 6:30 AM on August 8, 2026, so plan to arrive in Shawnee, Oklahoma with time to spare before the early morning gun. The 5K takes place at 1899 S. Gordon Cooper Drive. Entry is $40.00. This summer race is part of the larger Fireflight Balloon Fest event, giving you a chance to combine your workout with festival activities in the area. If you're traveling to Shawnee for the race, budget extra time for the pre-dawn start and account for Oklahoma summer heat when planning your training leading up to race day.
From the Race Organizer
DATE: Saturday, August 8th RACE START: 6:30am. * C ourse support will only be available until 8:00am. ANY participant still on the course at 8:00am will be escorted off by golf carts and taken to the finish line.* LOCATION: Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, 1899 Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee OK COST: $40 (additional online registration processing fees may apply) SWAG: All participants will receive a custom race medal and event t-shirt. **Race t-shirts are not guaranteed for registrations AFTER July 22, 2026** COURSE: The course is on Firelake Golf course and is mostly flat with mild incline/decline at the start and finish. DISTANCE: 5K (3.1 miles) RESULTS: All participants will be professionally chip timed and receive an official race finish time. Results will be available on this website and FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival Facebook page within 48 hours of race finish. REGISTRATION: For the convenience of participants, multiple registration options are available: · Online with RunSignUp (online registration fees will apply); DEADLINE: August 4th @ 5:00PM · Race Day registrations will NOT be permitted. AWARDS: · Top Overall Male and Female HOSPITALITY: · 1st Aid Station with bottled water will be available around the midway point on the course · Refreshments will be available at the finish line for participants SAFETY: · Strollers are NOT permitted on the course. · Dogs/animals are NOT permitted on the course. · All youth 12 yrs. and under MUST be accompanied by an adult while participating PACKET PICKUP: For the convenience of participants, (2) packet pickup options are available: Thursday, August 6th from 10:00am-6:00pm and Friday, August 7th from 10:00am-5:00pm @ Firelake Wellness Center · Packet PU will not be available on race day . REFUND POLICY: NO REFUNDS will be issued to participants that register for the event but are unable to attend. Please contact Race Director to make arrangements to receive packet or medal if desired. QUESTIONS? Contact the Race Director Leslie Cooper at lcooper@potawatomi.org
Hotels Near This Race
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Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Shawnee, OK
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 8.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Shawnee, OK.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Shawnee, OK?
Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Shawnee, OK takes place on August 8, 2026. The race is held in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Where is Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Shawnee, OK held?
Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Shawnee, OK is held at 1899 S. Gordon Cooper Drive in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Where can I find hotels near Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Shawnee, OK?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Shawnee. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
