Roller Coaster Race Series Blends Running with Coasters

If you’re a runner and a coaster rider (or just a coaster rider), you won’t want to miss the expanded Roller Coaster Race series in 2016. The foot races held at amusement parks across America combine running with coaster riding.

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The series produces USA Track & Field-sanctioned running events in conjunction with the series’ original concept: the Roller Coaster Ride, where participants attempt to ride a total distance of 5K (3.1 miles or 16,404 feet) on the hosting park’s coasters.

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Since the first race in 2014, Roller Coaster Race has steadily grown its customer base and expanded its race offerings over the past year.

During its inaugural year, Roller Coaster Race hosted running events at Six Flags New England, Six Flags St. Louis and Silver Dollar City. In 2015, the series expanded to Magic Springs, Kennywood, Six Flags over Texas and The Great Escape.

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Roller Coaster Race participants can register for the running event, the Roller Coaster Ride or both.

Roller Coaster Race’s 2015 expansion included doubling the number of races from three to six and increasing the total number of runners by 471 percent from 2014. More than 2,200 people participated in the “Roller Coaster Ride” portion of the event, and approximately 4,500 people participated across the six events.

Race organizers are gearing up for the series’ third season and finalizing the 2016 lineup, which will be announced in January.

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All photos © Roller Coaster Race

In addition to adding several new locations, Roller Coaster Race will again host races at Six Flags St. Louis and Six Flags New England, two of the first 2014 host parks, for a 3rd year in a row. Returning for a second year is Kennywood, Six Flags Over Texas and The Great Escape.

Event attendees in 2016 can expect redesigned courses as well as more pre- and post-race social events.

While the Roller Coaster Race is a for-profit series, all events support area charities through its fundraising program. The SYTA Running for Youth and the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives also receive funds raised at the events.

To learn more, visit the Roller Coaster Race website.

Have you ever run a race at an amusement park? Share your experience in the comments section below.

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