Mass balloon launches at dawn and dusk bookend nine days filled with live music performances that range from Canadian folk group Cowboys Fringants to rapper T Pain, and family activities, including Balloon Planet, an inflatable amusement park.

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The family said Biggers "delighted in the enduring appeal of his 'Underdog' franchise, " including the balloon that appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2007 live-action film.

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Tens of thousands of people in the United States have jobs that may be affected by the balloon industry, including manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

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Spartan Races plans 48 events and projects 300, 000 total participants this year. (A contestant ran one on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" last year.) As participation numbers balloon, the events are attracting consumer-product sponsors including Under Armour, Merrell shoes, Subaru and Dial for Men.

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