An estimated 15,000 people turned out to for firetruck rides, a classic car show, helicopter rides, and the highlight of the day — the plane pull.
Free firetruck rides were some of the festivities featured at Dulles Day and Plane Pull on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The event was held at Dulles International Airport and raised money for Special Olympics Virginia.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
It was all tug, no war, as the Special Olympics team pulls 80 tons of plane 12 feet in just 14 seconds on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
The Special Olympics team had a secret weapon during the Plane Pull event at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
Team Freddie Mac bulks up and puts on the gloves ahead of the Plane Pull event at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
The Dulles Day Plane event raised more than $325,000 at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
Team Microsoft bringing the heavy lifters — and a few 8 year olds — for the Plane Pull at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
Classic planes and copters were on display during Dulles Day and Plane Pull at Dulles International Airport, a charity event for Special Olympics Virginia.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
One of several Plane Pull participants — duck included — stand in line at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
Mommy Boot Camp flexes before taking the FedEx plane down during the Plane Pull at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
WTOP/Ralph Fox
Team Homewood Suites flew out their mascot for the Plane Pull at Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
(WTOP/Ralph Fox)
DULLES, Va. — The 24th annual Dulles Day and Plane Pull was a success for Special Olympics Virginia.
More than $325,000 was raised for the nonprofit during the event, which was held at Dulles International Airport on Saturday.
An estimated 15,000 people turned out to for firetruck rides, a classic car show, helicopter rides, and the highlight of the day — the plane pull.
FedEx and United Airlines both donated planes for the effort, as nearly 100 teams put up $1,500 apiece for the chance to pull a 160,00 pound Airbus A-320 12 feet.
Chesapeake, Virginia’s sheriff’s office posted the fastest time for the 10th year in a row, edging out Prince William County Sheriff’s Office with a time of 4.87 seconds.
Special Olympics Virginia President Rick Jeffrey said the organization relied on the support.
Weekend Anchor Ralph Fox started his broadcast career as a news reporter in 1991 at WDAS Radio in Philadelphia, and moved quickly to anchor positions with News/Talk WWDB and Delaware's WDEL/WSTW. He is an Emmy award winner and Hyattsville, Maryland, native who grew up listening to WTOP.