Plane Pull
October 10, 2026
Grab the rope and test your strength. The Lehigh Valley Plane Pull challenges teams of 25 to pull a FedEx Airbus A300 airplane 12 feet in the fastest time while raising funds for Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes in the Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region.
Everything You Need to Know
Plane Pull Event Information
The Lehigh Valley Plane Pull is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes in the Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region and a fun competition to see which team of 25 can pull a FedEx Airbus 300 airplane the fastest!
Participants line up along a huge rope attached to the aircraft. The starter signals the team, then starts the stopwatch and the team pulls the aircraft 12 feet.
Each team raises a minimum of $2,500 ($100 per team member) for Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes in our area and bragging rights to be the Strongest, the Fastest and the Best!
Register
Sign up for the thrill of a lifetime and pull a 55,000-pound airplane for a great cause!
Volunteer
We’re always in need of volunteers to support Plane Pull! Are you in?
Donate
All athletes are able to participate free of charge thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
Parking will be available at the B Braun facility directly across the street from the FedEx Air Cargo Apron on Postal Road. Signs will be posted to help direct traffic.
When should I arrive?
Participating Teams:
Please arrive at the main entrance at least one hour before your scheduled pull time. If you do not know your pull time, please reach out to your team captain. You also want to make sure that your entire team gathers in one area before presenting your group to team check-in. Please remember, you have a scheduled time and that time is approximate. If your team does not have a scheduled pull time, please reach out to GLVPR at glvpr@specialolympicspa.org.
Spectators:
Gates open at 10 AM. Spectators are encouraged to attend to cheer on their teams anytime during the event.
What to bring?
Team Members – Participants
- Work/gardening gloves for pulling the plane. Gloves are not provided
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Appropriate clothing for the weather (it is a rain or shine event!)
- Any extra cash/check donations to add to your team’s total at check in
What not to bring?
Due to the high security of the event space:
- Large bags are not permitted inside on the runway
- Only emergency medical or childcare bags permitted and will be subject to search
- Small 5×7 bags will be permitted and are subject to search
- Personal water bottles are not permitted. Free water stations and water bottles for purchase will be available
- No animals, only service animals
- No firearms or weapons of any type
- No outside food or drink. We will have water stations onsite and food and beverage available for purchase
Where should I meet my team?
Teams should find a gathering spot in the parking lot to meet up prior to presenting themselves at team check-in. All team members must be present in order for the team to register and enter the tarmac.
Team Check-In
All team members MUST register before your team can check in. Any team member not registered in advance will be required to do so during the check-in process which can delay your team’s pull time.
Team check-in will be located at the entrance gate to the Plane Pull. Please gather as a team before presenting to check-in. Each member MUST individually check in. Teams will have the opportunity to turn in all last-minute donations for your team’s fundraising efforts.
What if my team is below the minimum donation?
If your team is below the minimum donation of $2,500, please fill out the credit card authorization form in order to secure your spot on the ropes. Teams cannot pull without supporting Special Olympics Pennsylvania at this level.
Team t-shirt pickup
T-Shirts can be picked up at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania GLVPR office: 2158 Avenue C, Suite 201, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Please note, shirts are only guaranteed for teams registered by August 31. We will do our best to accommodate orders after that date but cannot guarantee shirts.
Entering the event
All event attendees, are required to go through security as this event is on airport property. Please do not bring any large bags/backpacks, outside food or drinks or animals unless it is a service animal. In addition, no weapons of any kind are allowed. Bags for child care or medical care purposes are permitted and will be searched. All attendees will be wanded upon entering.
What are the divisions?
There are five divisions:
Open Division: companies, clubs, friends, and families
Public Safety Division: law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel
Fitness Division: gyms, yoga, and other fitness groups
University Division: college/university students, staff
High School Division: high school students and staff
Food & Drinks
There will be some food and beverages available for purchase onsite. Water stations will be available for team members.
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