Coaster Challenge

All participants should self-screen prior to arriving at this event and should remain home if feeling unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms.

All participants are required to wear a mask while inside any building at Great America regardless of vaccine status.

Unless fully vaccinated, participants who are medically able should continue to wear a mask at outdoor venus the majority of time while at Special Olympics Illinois activities.

Vaccination is not required to attend in person events.

Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks.  Participants must bring their own.

SOILL will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray and other cleaning/sanitizing products on-site for participants’ use.

Every effort will be made to sanitize equipment and supplies that are routinely touched by the public. Social distancing will be encouraged at sales tables. The flow of purchasers will move in one direction to avoid crossing paths.

Even with the vaccine, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of infection. Individuals with a higher susceptibility risk for COVID-19 are encouraged to review the information on the CDC and IDPH website to make an informed decision about attending in person events.

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines.

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf

What is the Coaster Challenge?

Six Flags Great America and Special Olympics Illinois have teamed up again for the annual Coaster Challenge on Saturday, September 18.

Challengers will ride along as each roller coaster clicks and climbs the track, adding up the collective distance to complete the race. There has never been such a thrilling way to support the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois – so get on board with the 2021 Coaster Challenge. It’ll be a scream!

Event Details

How Does It Work?
Participants complete registration for $25, then choose the distance they want to travel on Six Flags Great America’s world-class roller coasters. Options include the equivalent of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon.

Those participating will receive early entry to the park to kick start their day. Plus, Challengers will get VIP access to ride Raging Bull, Maxx Force, Viper, and Whizzer from 9:00-11:00 AM CT. VIP early entry allows participants to get extra laps in before the park opens. All participants will receive a THE FLASH Pass to all roller coasters until 1:00 PM.

Volunteer Information

Check back to find out more information on volunteering for this event.

Fundraising Levels

Challengers can choose from four different fundraising levels. Each level corresponds to a required fundraising minimum per participant.

Ride the distance of a 5K – $150 fundraising minimum ($100 for current season pass holders)
Ride the distance of a 10K – $300 fundraising minimum
Ride the distance of a half marathon – $500 fundraising minimum
Ride the distance of a marathon – $1,000 fundraising minimum

Coaster Challenge participants will have their scorecard stamped as they exit each ride, and the total distance will be tallied when they check in at the scoring table upon completion. All Coaster Challenge participants must adhere to all Six Flags Great America park and guest safety policies and procedures.

Click here for Six Flags Great America 2021 Health & Safety Policy and Six Flags Great America Park Policies. Please contact Jennifer Kelso at jkelso@soill.org with any questions.

Benefits & Incentives
5K Rider – $150 fundraising minimum or $100 for current season pass holders
Free entrance into Six Flags Great America
Parking Pass (value: $25)
Free continental breakfast
Official Coaster Challenge athletic shirt
Tracking pass
Medal upon completion
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass for easy access to rides until 1:00 PM
Early access to Raging Bull, Maxx Force, Viper, and Whizzer prior to park opening starting at 11:00 AM

10K Rider – $300 fundraising minimum
All of the above prizes
Official Coaster Challenge 10K Incentive: TBD
Lunch voucher for the day of the event
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass until 3:00 PM

Half-Marathon Rider – $500 fundraising minimum
All of the above prizes
Official Coaster Challenge Half-Marathon Item: TBD
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass until 5:00 PM
2021 return ticket for the park

Marathon Rider – $1,000 fundraising minimum
All of the above prizes
Official Coaster Challenge Marathon Item: TBD
Upgrade your 2021 return ticket to a 2021 Six Flags Great America Season Pass
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass for the entire day

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.