Storm Runner

When Storm Runner first opened on May 8, 2004, the queue line would often be extended with ropes due to the ride's popularity. In 2005, the park added an overflow queue line located next to Trailblazer's first drop.

For the 2020 season, Storm Runner remained closed while waiting on necessary parts for maintenance and repairs that were delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The parks 1977 Schwarzkopf looping coaster, SooperDooperLooper, also remained closed for the same reasons. Also that year, Storm Runner was the subject of litigation after a parent alleged that their 9-year old son was not properly secured by his restraints and jumped out of the train as it began moving in the station.[2]

As the train leaves the station, it moves through the switch track, and onto the launch track. As the train moves into position, the sound of a heartbeat is heard. After a brief pause, the train rolls backwards slightly, the brakes on the launch track retract, and a pre-recorded voice says "now get ready, here we go". On the word "go", the train is launched from 0-72 mph in 2 seconds. Part way down the launch track, the riders photographs are taken. Immediately following the launch, the train climbs vertically through a 150 ft top hat. The train then drops 180 ft, reaching the top speed of 75 mph, and then climbs into a 135 ft tall cobra loop, a first-of-it's-kind element. After another drop, the train traverses yet another first-of-it's-kind element, the Flying Snake Dive (a heartline roll followed by a dive drop). Following the final inversion, the train descends and crosses over Spring Creek and a section of Trailblazer, and under a section of the monorail. The train then rises through two banked turned, first to the right, then the left. After a brief moment of air time, the train enters the final brake run. Following the brake run, the train curves to the left, and returns to either side of the station.

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  Launch section
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  Top hat
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  First drop off the top hat
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  Cobra Loop
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  Dive Loop from another angle
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  Zero G Roll and Flying snake dive
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  Twist finale before brakes

To launch the train, Storm Runner utilizes a system created by Intamin that launches the trains using hydraulics. The same, albeit larger system, is used on Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka, along with several other Intamin hydraulic launched coasters. The launch system utilizes a large winch with steel cable wound around and through the launch track, essentially forming one large loop of cables. A catch car travels the length of the launch track, propelled by the hydraulic system. Prior to the launch, the train engages with the catch car. As the train reaches the end of the launch track, the catch car is slowed by its own set of brakes, and the train disengages, continuing along the course via its own momentum.

Similar to other launched roller coasters, the launch track features a series of magnetic brake fins along its length. In the event of a rollback, these brakes will safely bring the train to a halt. Prior to launch, these brakes retract, allowing the train to pass over unaffected. As the train travels down the track, they re-engage in sequence, ready to slow a train should a rollback occur. Unlike Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka, Storm Runner has a significantly smaller top hat and rarely experiences a rollback.

Storm Runner is also a coaster available for construction in the video game RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 with the Soaked! expansion pack.