2023 Coaster Challenge

Join us on September 16, 2023

Six Flags Great America and Special Olympics Illinois have teamed up again for the annual Coaster Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

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 2023 Coaster Challenge. It’ll be a scream!  Come to Hometown Square and be a CHAMPION for the athletes and Unified partners of Special Olympics Illinois!

Participant Toolkit | Participant Waiver

How Does It Work?

Participants complete registration for $25, then choose the distance and fundraising level 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 Maxx Force, Viper, Raging Bull, and Whizzer from 9:00 AM-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.

PLEASE NOTE:  Those wishing to gain entrance into the park and participate in Extended Ride Time (ERT) prior to opening for the general public MUST ARRIVE between 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM.  Those arriving after 9:00 AM will not be able to obtain entry until the park gates open for the general public at 11:00 AM.  

Meet Your 2023 Coaster Challenge Ambassadors, Anushka and Catherine

Anushka Bhandari and Catherine Schuch are Unified partners that met at Metea Valley High School in Region C. They became fast friends and were part of the Special Olympics Illinois Youth Activation Committee throughout the 2022 -2023 school year.

They are both very excited to be this year’s Coaster Challenge Ambassadors. Anushka chooses to spend her birthdays at Six Flags Great America each year and Catherine is excited to spend the day with her friend doing something they both love – Speaking for Special Olympics Illinois and riding coasters!

Anushka and Catherine can’t wait to have fun and ride roller coasters with each of you at this year’s Coaster Challenge.

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 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 2023 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: $30)
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 Maxx Force, Viper, Raging Bull, and Whizzer prior to park opening starting at 11:00 AM

10K Rider - $300 fundraising minimum
All of the above prizes
Mega Meal Voucher – Valid all day on 9/16/23
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass until 3:00 PM

Half-Marathon Rider - $500 fundraising minimum
All of the above prizes
Official Coaster Challenge Gift (TBD)
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass until 5:00 PM
2024 return ticket for the park

Marathon Rider - $1,000 fundraising minimum
All of the above prizes
Official Coaster Challenge Marathon Jacket OR  Year Long Meal Voucher
Upgrade your 2024 return ticket to a 2024 Six Flags Great America Platinum Pass
Entrance via THE FLASH Pass for the entire day

Spectator Ticket -If you are needing a ticket to enter the park but will not be participating in the event you can purchase a ticket at sixflags.com/greatamerica/store/tickets. You will need a Day Pass to get into the park. You will be allowed entry for the extended ride time as long as you are with a Rider that has reached the minimum $150 fundraising goal ($100 for a season pass holder). If you currently have a season pass, the same procedure will be followed as long as you have the pass on hand. Please note that spectators will not be allowed to participate in activities prior to the park opening to the public. 

Interested in Volunteering Instead of participating?  Volunteers can register online for the day here: coaster.soill.volunteerhub.com