Coaster Marathons

[jason10]

This may sound stupid but, I've always wanted to do a coaster marathon. At school, we are raising money for charity and they encourage everyone to take part. An idea me and my friend had was to have a coaster marathon at THORPE PARK. This was afterall just an idea. My question was are there any health issues regarding marathons for a boy of my age? Plus, do you think the park would even accept our request?

 

Just wanted know before actually writing to them! Thanks...

[Mr. Starr]

I imagine you would have to pony up some cash, and find sponsors, maybe a charity or a cause would help.

[jason10]

We have our cause which is Bedfordshire Autism and we have another one which is Merlin Entertainment's (the company who own Thorpe Park) own Merlin's Magic Wand. So we would split the money we raised between the two because we thought it was only fair we donate some to them as they are the ones hosting us. If you see what I mean. Obviously a few fund raisers wouldn't go amis and sponsors from family, teachers and friends are for sure. Maybe even some people on here. So I think it's alright. The only problem is actually having permission to do the marathon.

[RCFreak]

I really don't see any health issues arising from marathoning a coaster, but always have a full check up before attempting anything physically straining. Also if you were serious about it, get in contact with the park's Marketing department and you would need bigger sponsors I would think, local business' and maybe even try contacting the local news media if Thrope does say yes to this.

[Airtime&Gravity]

Yeah, if this will be a serious marathon where you will be riding continuously for hours, see a doctor before attempting it. There shouldn't be any problems, but better safe than sorry. Also, if you do end up doing it, you should probably take breaks every X number of rides so that you don't get sick and get a chance to rest.

[monsterfan99]

Agree with getting a check-up from a doctor before hand.

 

Also, if you want to do this for a record, you must contact Guinness world records first. They send out a rep from there. Their rules are 24/7 coaster ridding with 5 minute breaks, train can only be in the station 5 minutes to load people (and rider can not get off) and if you change rides it counts as part of your break.

[gisco]

Which coaster do you want to marathon?

 

I rode Nemesis Inferno for an hour straight. during ERT when TPR was there in 2006. Same train, I only changed seats to see which offered the better ride.

[jason10]

We were planning to do Nemesis Inferno as it seemed the best coaster to do without affecting capacity too much. Saw: The Ride is a bit to vicious to be honest and Colossus is WAY too bumpy. Stealth I would like to keep special. So Nemesis Inferno seemed a good a choice as any. I agree with the doctor thing and me and my friend would certainly get a check-up. Also, we were only going to do the marathon for opening hours so really, no more than say, 6-8 hours depending on the day. In that time, we would abide by the Guiness World Record rules which state we get a 5 minute break after every hour of riding etc... It seems really the best thing to do now is contact the park, ask for permission and then take it from there.

 

One more thing, on the website, it says anything related to charity should be sent X address. I'm guessing for this I should write a letter and send it to that address then.

 

Thanks for the support!

[Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess]

Yes, definatly take breaks every so many rides or you'll wear yourself out. Make sure you are able to handle heavy positive G loads if the ride you're doing has them.

 

Just remember that you're having a coaster marathon to raise money, not trying to play a blackout game! If you don't think you can handle riding for that long, don't push it. Like someone already said "better safe than sorry". I'm not saying you should have fun and enjoy yourself, but "Know your limit, play within it." That sounds familliar?

 

Might want to give this a read too: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6935437.stm

[paintballer]

Yes, BEWARE OF NIPPLE BURN!

I've always wondered on certain rides at SFOT such as Titan and Mr. Freeze they won't let you re-ride if no one is in line, but on the others they do, so is this a saftey issue or just the fact they hate me?

[Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess]

It's a safety issue. Because those rides are just that intense. Titan especially, 1 ride and I was pretty much seeing things.

[atem122]

^^Yeah it's basically all of the forces, you're not supposed to re ride Titan/Goliath because that helix is just so damn powerful (of course it never makes me go grey )

[monsterfan99]

^^^ Not sure why with the no re-rides on Mr. Freeze in Texas. I've gotten re-rides on the SF STL version no problems. The re-ride policy (or lack there of) has always bother me at parks.