The runway at O’Hare International Airport turned into an unusual test of strength and teamwork on Saturday, September 26, as hundreds of people gathered to pull a United Airlines Boeing 737 by hand for a good cause.

The event, now in its 18th year, raised more than $230,000 for Special Olympics Illinois, according to organizers. The money supports year-round sports and other programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.

$230,000+

Raised for Special Olympics Illinois

110+ Teams

Took Part in the Pull

95,000+ lbs

Weight of the Boeing 737

18th Year

Annual O’Hare Plane Pull

How the O’Hare Plane Pull Works

More than 110 teams took part in the annual event, working together to move an aircraft weighing more than 95,000 pounds as quickly as possible.

1Build a Team

Teams of up to 20 people could take part in the competition.

2Raise the Funds

Each team was required to raise at least $1,000 to participate.

3Pull 12 Feet

Teams pulled the Boeing 737 a distance of 12 feet as quickly as possible.

Once at the starting line, strength alone was not enough. Participants had to coordinate their movements, communicate and find the right rhythm to get the massive aircraft moving.

More Than a Competition

For many of those taking part, the competition was only part of the experience. Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their families watched and joined participants throughout the event, which brought together:

Community groups Businesses Law enforcement officers Supporters

Organizers say the fundraiser helps provide athletes with more than opportunities to compete: it also helps create friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Who Is Behind the Event

United Airlines

Presenting sponsor

Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run

Co-host

Chicago Department of Aviation

Co-host

Measured in More Than Feet

As teams pulled on the ropes and the aircraft slowly began to move, the atmosphere at O’Hare was less about the size of the plane than the people working together to move it. By the end of the day, the result was measured in more than just feet: more than $230,000 had been raised for Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is an annual charity event at O’Hare International Airport in which teams compete to pull a United Airlines Boeing 737 by hand, raising money for Special Olympics Illinois. The event took place on Saturday, September 26.

According to organizers, the event raised more than $230,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

More than 110 teams took part in this year’s event.

The United Airlines Boeing 737 used in the event weighs more than 95,000 pounds.

Teams pull the aircraft a distance of 12 feet, aiming to do it as quickly as possible.

Teams can have up to 20 people.

Each team was required to raise at least $1,000 to take part.

The funds support year-round sports and other programs for Special Olympics Illinois athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.

The event is presented by United Airlines and co-hosted by the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Chicago Department of Aviation.

This year marked the 18th year of the annual O’Hare Plane Pull.