Eau Claire has been selected to be the Green Flag City – or starting point – for the 11th season of the FIREBALL RUN, a 26-episode adventure-travel competition series distributed by Amazon Instant Video. Destinations in the Fireball Run are selected based on their economic viability, community engagement, and overall aesthetic qualities.

The Fireball Run is the story of 40 rally teams as they compete in a legendary 2,000-mile, life-sized trivia game. To win, they take the road less traveled in an epic quest re-discover America in search of unique places and obscure historic artifacts. All just for bragging rights, a greater cause and a plastic road sign. An entertaining series which inspires travel, the production also raises awareness for missing children.

Hosted by YouTube travel star Ivan Ellis and professional wrestler Sassy Stephie, Fireball Run is the only episodic series filmed in real time, i.e. as it happens. All elements of the show are authentic, including contestant outcome and reaction. NOT a Reality TV series, Fireball Run is factual entertainment. Factual television is a genre of non-fiction depicting actual events and people.

Most of the challenges are once in a lifetime, rare, exclusive, of historic experiences, although some are physical challenges. Not a road-race, contestant speeds are monitored by the AmberAlertGPS system by AlertGPS®. Fans can favorite teams in real time as they traverse along a satellite map at fireballrun.com.

One of the unique characteristics of the FIREBALL RUN is the composition of the individuals who are competing in the adventure and exploring the communities. All contestants are top industry executives, celebrities, and notable elected leaders. Behind the scenes, the production delivers and introduces industry influencers to places they man have never visited or heard of so they get to personally experience what makes them special. This makes the FIREBALL RUN a unique opportunity for the Eau Claire area.

“I’m extremely honored and humbled by this opportunity to represent both Eau Claire and Xcel Energy in this once in a lifetime adventure!” Julie Thoney from Xcel Energy and one half of Eau Claire’s team in Season 11, the Xcelerators, states. “I can’t wait for the other participating business owners, community leaders, philanthropists and TV personalities from all over the nation to personally experience all Eau Claire has to offer during the kick-off and for it to be aired on Amazon Prime for all to see and enjoy!”

In addition to being an entertaining series that explores the under-discovered communities in America and an economic driver – the Fireball Run uses it popularity to fuel the largest national effort to recover America’s Missing Children. Working with the Children’s Rescue Network, the Fireball Run has aided in the recovery of almost 50 children in their 10 seasons.

“I’m thrilled about taking the opportunity to share information on missing children during this journey and hope our efforts aid in bringing them home!” Thoney states.

The Eau Claire Area EDC is working with community partners such as City of Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Visit Eau Claire, Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, ECRAC, City of Altoona, Xcel Energy, iHeartMedia, Wisconsin Public Radio, and The Lismore to bring this exciting opportunity to Eau Claire.

Free public screenings of the Fireball Run where individuals can see previous episodes and ask questions about the Fireball Run will be held at the Oxbow Hotel on the following dates: July 26, August 16, August 23, and September 6 at 7:00p.

The public is encouraged to meet the teams beginning Sept 23 in Eau Claire, WI and finishing September 30th in Rapid City, SD. Other destinations include: Rochester, MN; Dubuque, IA; Burlington, IA; Ft. Dodge, IA; Yankton, SD and Pierre, SD. To learn more visit www.thefireballrun.com