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Austin cinema’s ultimate Star Wars marathon will test the mettle of even die-hard fans

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Star Wars force awakens
Walt Disney Studios
A Star Wars marathon was very doable when there was only one trilogy to contend with, but the addition of the second — and now the upcoming first installment of the third — make it a challenge. Of course, Star Wars fans are nothing if not devoted, so Austin, Texas’ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is setting out to test their fandom (and endurance).

The theater announced today that it is going to crown “the galaxy’s ultimate Star Wars fan” by challenging seven pre-selected diehards to watch the first six films in sequential order, followed by an “endless, round-the-clock screening” of Star Wars: The Force Awakens until only one can claim victory. Competitors will be disqualified if they talk, text, use illegal drugs, or fall asleep during the movies. Sleep seems like the biggest obstacle, especially since the marathon is set to start at 4 a.m. on December 17, so participants will likely be tired from the start.

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Naturally, the challenge is meant to be as difficult (and insane) as it sounds. Alamo Drafthouse guarantees that it will “test the nerve, eyeballs and stamina of even the most resilient backside.” Tim League, the CEO and founder, admits in a press release that they’re “big fans” of both the famed films and “testing the boundaries of human endurance.”

Luckily, participants will at least get to take breaks between movies so that they can get up, move around, and “channel their inner Force.” (We’re not quite sure what the latter entails, but hopefully it allows trips to the bathroom and snacks). It shouldn’t be as bad as being held prisoner by Jabba the Hutt, at least.

The fan who outlasts all the others will be handsomely rewarded. In addition to a seven-year movie pass to Alamo Drafthouse theaters, they’ll receive a compete set of 2015 and 2016 Topps Star Wars Card Reader cards, and a selection of Star Wars Mondo prints. Best of all? A theater seat will be named in their honor — with a naming ceremony, no less. Let’s just say that winning is a big deal.

To become one of the lucky seven contestants, show your “Jedi devotion” on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the #AlamoJedi hashtag between now and December 10 at 11:59 p.m. CT. The Alamo’s Jedi Council will decide from there.

May the force be with those who take up the challenge … they’ll need it.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18.

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Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long
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Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
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