And… the results are in..

September 8, 2020 Off By Eric O'Brien

Our crack staff (actually Radio 9’s Jay Thurber) took the research challenge yesterday after we posted about Jackson Armstrong‘s record run on the Thunderbolt at Kennywood on Labor Day 1974. Turns out, between September 1 and 2 that year, Armstrong rode a record 31 hours, 750 laps, and over 400 miles.

The feat was actually brought on by 22-year-old Bernie Kusibab, a park employee who was attempting to break the old mark of 728 laps set at King’s Island in Cincinnati. The riders were allowed a 5 minute break per hour under the Guinness Book of World Records rules. They were also monitored by doctors every four hours. (One paper, interestingly said, “The world’s record, incidentally, is established by an Irish stout brewing company.”)

(CLICK PHOTO TO SEE IN ENTIRITY): From the Post-Gazette – 13Q Announcer Dennis Waters (right) was paired with Kennywood Park employee Bernie Kusibab for a record breaking ride on Kennywood Park’s Thunderbolt in 1974. Waters quickly became ill and was replaced by the legendary Jackson Armstrong.

Originally 13Q Announcer Dennis Waters was set to run the challenge but had to stop after two hours when he began to cough up blood. He was taken to nearby Braddock Hospital and was fine. Jackson Armstrong took over for Waters. Kusibab completed his final lap at 5:45 p.m. and Armstrong kept going until 7:35 p.m. to equal the run. Armstrong said he would likely never ride a roller coaster again.

CategoryUncategorized