More than 110 teams raised money for Special Olympics Illinois on Saturday by pulling a United Airlines 737 plane over a distance of 12 feet.
Now in its 18th year, the O’Hare Plane Pull pushes teams of up to 20 people to raise at least $1,000 before pulling a plane, weighing more than 95,000 pounds. The competition is presented by United Airlines and co-hosted by the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Chicago Department of Aviation.
Participants pull a United Airlines 737 plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The competition entailed moving a plane 12 feet as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
A participant gets ready to pull the plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The competition entailed moving a plane 12 feet as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Stephen Katz, an honorary team captain and frequent participant, helps a team pull a plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Teams had to pull United Airlines 737 planes as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Olivia Kocerka, 3, and her dad, Michael Kocerka, pull a plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Teams had to pull United Airlines 737 planes as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
A worker sits in a plane as participants pull it during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The competition entailed moving a plane 12 feet as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Participants pull a plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Teams had to pull United Airlines 737 planes as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Special Olympics athlete Sophia Snow celebrates with participants after they pulled a plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Teams had to pull United Airlines 737 planes as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Participants high-five after pulling a plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Teams had to pull United Airlines 737 planes as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Participants cheer after pulling a plane during the 18th O’Hare Plane Pull at the United Airlines Cargo Bay, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Teams had to pull United Airlines 737 planes as a way to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.