originally posted on 9/17/2021 1:11:51 AM
Photo: Vanessa Borges. View full-sized image.
On August 14, a sold-out marathon riding event at Fun Spot in Orlando, Florida, welcomed 47 ACE members and guests from six different states. The marathon rides were on White Lightning, a wooden track roller coaster designed and manufactured by Great Coasters International. This unique event was called the “White Lightning 10k” because riders would travel on 10 kilometers of track on White Lightning, which equated to 16 complete circuits.
Photo: Molly Chidester. View full-sized image.
On a hot summer morning, guests started the day by receiving an event badge that allowed riders to punch holes to keep track of their marathon progress. Each time riders exited the ride, they were given the option to punch a hole in one of the numbered circles on the badge. ERT on White Lightning started at 9 a.m., one hour before the park opened to the public, which gave registrants a jumpstart to complete their marathons. Fun Spot also set up White Lightning to run with dual-train operation, which sped up the cycle times.
Photos: Michael Christopher. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Since Fun Spot’s attendance is usually slower in the morning, more than a third of the attendees were able to complete the marathon before brunch was served at 10:30. Because of COVID-19 precautions, everyone was given an individual bag that contained a breakfast croissant sandwich, fruit cup and muffin. After guests enjoyed their brunch, everyone received a commemorative event medal along with an ACE Florida Silver Edition collectible pin. There were 12 ACE members who also attended the first White Lightning 10k event in 2019, and they received a Limited-Edition ACE Florida Gold Edition collectible pin! Everyone received prizes regardless of whether they completed their 16 rides on White Lightning.
After the awards ceremony, attendees were free to enjoy the rest of their day at Fun Spot Orlando. They were also given the option to upgrade their day ticket to include the Fun Spot location in Kissimmee for only $10!
Photos: Michael Christopher. View full-sized image.
White Lightning. View full-sized image.
ACE Florida is very thankful for Fun Spot’s gracious hospitality and extremely enjoyed working with the park to put this event together. The region looks forward to future events at both Florida locations and at the new Atlanta location.
— Michael Christopher, ACE Florida Regional Representative
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