America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race Launch Presented By Matheson Tri-Gas

America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race: The America’s Challenge is one of the most prestigious long-distance ballooning events in the world, and gives spectators a means to learn about another aspect of ballooning – long-duration gas balloon flight. Most Balloon Fiesta events feature hot-air balloons, which usually can stay aloft for only a couple of hours. Gas balloons, use lighter-than-air gases such as helium and hydrogen for lift, and can stay aloft for 60 hours or more. The balloon that flies the furthest – in accordance with the rules – wins. Some America’s Challenge flights reach Canada and the U.S. East Coast. The gas balloons inflate in the late afternoon and take off in the early evening – timing that increases the balloons’ flight duration.