The Gordon Bennett Race is an annual ballooning competition that originated in the late 19th century. It was named after the American newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett Jr., who sponsored the first race in 1906. The event challenges teams to navigate their hot air balloons over long distances, often requiring strategic planning and skillful piloting. Participants in the race typically launch from a designated location and aim to travel as far as possible, with the winner being the team that lands the farthest from the starting point. The race has evolved over the years and is now held in various countries, attracting ballooning enthusiasts from around the world.