Hangar 10 at Hartsfield–Jackson turned into a loud, makeshift stadium on Wednesday as hundreds of Delta employees lined up to tug on a single heavy rope and drag a Boeing 757 for cancer research. Roughly 180 teams of about 25 people each took turns trying to move the 255,000-pound jet 25 feet, turning a simple pull into a mix of competition, emotional survivor stories and corporate pageantry that has made the Jet Drag a spring ritual for the airline.
At Hangar 10: The Pull And The Pace
The first of the day’s 180 teams grabbed the rope at 7:30 a.m., kicking off a steady stream of short, all-out sprints across the tarmac as coworkers hollered from the sidelines, as reported by Atlanta News First. Teams chase bragging rights for both speed and fundraising, and organizers hand out hardware for fastest time, best spirit and top fundraiser.
How The Jet Drag Works
The ground rules are simple enough. Teams of 25 hook a rope to the jet and try to haul it 25 feet as fast as they can. The airplane is a Boeing 757 that organizers and the American Cancer Society list at roughly 255,000 pounds, which turns that short distance into a surprisingly heavy and strategic challenge. The Jet Drag runs alongside Delta’s corporate Relay For Life activities, filling Hangar 10 with a full day of booths, survivor recognition and workplace fundraising, according to the American Cancer Society.
Fundraising And Growth
Organizers said they expected to raise more than $1.5 million at this year’s event, with donations flowing in from team fundraising pages, on-site booths and corporate matches, as reported by Atlanta News First. What started as a modest workplace competition, originally only about 22 teams, has grown into a sprawling, employee-driven spectacle over the years, as noted by Aviation Maintenance Magazine. For many participants, the day is as much about community and cause as it is about shaving fractions of a second off the leaderboard.
Teams, Tactics And Notable Guests
Competitors treat the pull like a quick, all-out dash. A Delta spokesperson told 95.5 WSB Radio that most groups finish in the 10 to 11 second range, a reminder that coordination, timing and a clean start matter almost as much as raw strength. Past editions have drawn celebrity appearances and high-profile teams, including a notable turn by Tom Brady in 2025, a hint that the Jet Drag doubles as both spectacle and workplace giving, according to industry coverage.
Why It Matters
Behind the theatrics, the Jet Drag channels employee effort into support for cancer research and patient services, including transportation programs, lodging during treatment and patient navigation. The American Cancer Society says Delta’s multi-event partnership has raised millions for research and patient programs, and the Jet Drag helps keep that local, employee-led push visible each spring, according to the American Cancer Society.
