New Coaster Challenge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois

Special Olympics Illinois is proud to introduce a brand new fundraising initiative taking place on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Six Flags Great America called "The 2014 Coaster Challenge."

Participants simply register, fundraise and ride the distance of a 5K, 10K or marathon (26.2 miles) on Six Flags Great America's world-class roller coasters.

To be a RAGING BULL, participants need to raise $100 and ride a total of a 5K (16,405 feet), or about six rides depending on which ones.

If they have the heart of GOLIATH and want to do a little more they can raise $250 and ride a total of a 10K (32,810 feet).

For those that have the DEMON in them, they can go for the Marathon! Fundraising a minimum of $1,000 and riding a full 26.2 miles!

They will have their score card stamped as they exit each ride, and we will tally the total distance when they check in at the scoring table upon completion. Six Flags will open the Raging Bull at 9 a.m. on Sept. 28 prior to the park opens at 11 a.m. so that Coaster Challenge participants get a chance to complete their race if desired. All participants will receive fast pass access to all roller coasters.

After their race is complete, participants can feel free to stay and enjoy all the benefits that Six Flags has to offer. To top it off, it is the first weekend of Fright Fest!

To register, or for more information, please visit coasterchallenge.com.

Proceeds benefit the nearly 21,500 traditional athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 18,500 young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics Illinois.

To learn more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency by calling (800) 394-0562, or visit our website at www.soill.org.