When Sam and I finished up at the Copperhead Mountain Coaster we decided to squeeze in one more mountain coaster before it got dark. I wanted to film a POV with some daylight left and had permission to do so from both remaining mountain coasters in Branson – Runaway Mountain Coaster and the Branson Coaster. We decided to go to Runaway and save the Branson Coaster for the next day when we wrapped up at Silver Dollar City (SDC).
Some Notable Traits
Going into this trip, this was the mountain coaster I was most intrigued to ride. It was the first mountain coaster built in the region, but also claims to be the longest and fastest in the Branson area. I had seen some photos of this ride online prior to my trip and was also impressed with its setting, which I’ll get into down below.
Another interesting little tidbit for this coaster is that it is only the second mountain coaster I’ve ridden made by the Aquatic Development Group. All of the others have been made by Wiegand. I wasn’t expecting this to be much different, but it was just something I saw beforehand that I thought was an interesting tidbit.
My Initial Observations
Mountain coasters have become a guilty pleasure of mine. I try to ride every single one I come across during my travels, even if it means a slight detour. They’re just fun and to say I was excited to ride this one would be a gigantic understatement.
Seeing the river at the base of the lift hill would have this one off to a good start. And from what I could see, it looked like the people finishing up the ride were coming in hot! If I could fly that fast all the way down the massive hill, this was going to be a great time. But I’d have to wait a few minutes to find that out. Okay, quite a few minutes.
The Long, Okay... Super-Long Ascent to the Top
With so many mountain coasters having their lift hills right out of the loading station, I’m used to a nice long ascent with these rides. This one, however, feels longer than most. The Roller Coaster Database (RCDB) lists the total length of this coaster at 4,900 feet, with its uphill portion making up 1,900 feet. Now, I’ve been on some longer mountain coasters like Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. RCDB lists that coaster at 3,887 feet and that ride feels forever long with its multiple lifts throughout the ride. But here we have just over 1,000 feet more of track and just that one long initial lift.
So yes, this coaster is a long one and that lift hill will take quite a while to get to the top. Just be prepared to watch countless other people buzzing down the track to your right as you climb. It will get you pumped though.
The Fast, Forceful Descent
Okay, earlier on when I said riders looked to be “coming in hot” to the finish, I found out that was indeed true. As a matter of fact, the entire way down the hill was a blur of pure speed, fast turns, and laterals. I’ve been on some memorable mountain coasters with setting, scenery, theming, etc. I have to say though that this one stands out for its speed factor. I may or may not have also let off the handles just a little bit fearing that my POV was going to be bad. I promise, I didn’t do it too much, but yeah, this felt crazy fast and wild.
When you add in the long length of this ride with that speed factor you certainly come away with an experience like no other mountain coaster. At least compared to the ones I’ve experienced. I’m always looking to do more, but I will say this one is up there as one of my favorites.
Final Ride Counts
Runaway Mountain Coaster (1)
The Mountain Coaster I'd Most Like to Ride Again
Part of me wanted to wait around until it got dark to ride this again, but with another coaster left to grab and a much needed dinner stop, it will have to wait for a return trip. I cannot imagine how good a night ride on this would be. Even if it sports a lighting package, this mountain coaster is literally in the middle of nowhere so it’s going to be pitch black. I can’t wait and I’m sure Sam would love to give it a go again too.
Runaway Mountain Coaster Photo Gallery - May 30, 2025
If you would like to use any of the images in the gallery above for your commercial and/or non-commercial projects, feel free to do so. I ask that you credit We Were Inverted whenever they’re used. I also ask that you do not alter the image or remove the watermarks. If you need any images/video resized or without the watermarks, please contact me directly.
CREW MANIFEST
The following flight crew members attended this park, & earned the respective credits below:
Patrick
CAG
New Credit(s): Runaway Mountain Coaster
Sam
Admiral
New Credit(s): Runaway Mountain Coaster