Australia’s first wildlife friendly virtual balloon race will take off on 1 September, in response to bans across the country on releasing helium balloons. The activity was found to be responsible for rising deaths in sea birds, turtles, and other animals when the balloons eventually fell back to earth, becoming litter.

The virtual balloon race will mimic a real one, through programming that uses current weather data to display the balloons moving according to prevailing wind patterns.

Participants can customise their balloons by choosing helium levels, shape, and thickness for a potential edge in the race, or take a gamble by purchasing a randomly generated balloon.

The balloon that travels the furthest distance in a straight line wins $5,000 in gift vouchers.

This race will help fund research for Haemochromatosis Australia, which supports those suffering from the most common genetic disorder in Australia, affecting one in 200 Australians.

The virtual balloons will be released online at 7am and will travel for seven days. The start point will be Sydney Harbour Bridge and balloons will move in whichever direction the wind is blowing at that time.

Using Google maps and satellites, the top 100 leading balloons will be visible 30 minutes after take-off and continuously for the duration of the race.

Participants can track their balloon’s position, the distance travelled, longitude and latitude online.

Vice-President of Haemochromatosis Australia, Matthew Howie said the race is harmless good fun “that has no negative environmental impact on birds, animals, climate change, plastic waste or litter.”

The virtual balloons can be purchased for $5 each prior to the launch at haemochromatosis.org.au/beatoverload/

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