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2026 Southwest Virginia Plane Pull Raises $78,000 and Counting

15 teams pull an 82-ton FedEx jet 12 feet down the runway while raising more than $78,000 for Special Olympics Virginia athletes.

Fifteen teams came together at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport for the third annual Southwest Virginia Plane Pull, raising more than $78,000 and counting for Special Olympics Virginia athletes.

Teams took turns on the ropes, digging in and straining to move an 82-ton FedEx cargo jet approximately 12 feet down the runway, one pull at a time.

Event Photos

Look back at this year's event through the lens.

Hosted by WJLA's Edward Shaw and Jocelyn Routt, the event brought together businesses, community groups and supporters for a day of competition and fundraising.

Sheetz claimed the fastest pull of the day. Coca-Cola Consolidated and Team Gobble Stop earned second-fastest honors, while Fit Body Boot Camp finished third fastest and was also the event's top fundraising team, raising $5,725.

Ricky and the Real McCoys took home the Spirit Award.

The Southwest Virginia Plane Pull continues to bring people together through a challenge that is simple to understand but anything but easy: pull an 82-ton airplane and raise money for Special Olympics Virginia athletes.

With more than $78,000 raised so far, this year's event is another strong showing for the Southwest Virginia community.