WHY DO THE STAIR CLIMB?

 

The 9-11 Memorial Stair Climbs are not timed race events, but a way for firefighters and other first responders to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. While the stair climb at the Sunsphere is limited to first responders and veterans, this year we are introducing the first annual Walk-A-Thon in conjunction with the climb. Anyone is allowed to register for this walk, and participants will walk the equivalent of the 110 stories around World’s Fair Park. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows that we will never forget. The proceeds of these events help the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation create and maintain programs that support fire service survivors. Your support of the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb events provides assistance to the surviving families and co-workers of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

 

Those participating in the Stair Climb be wearing full gear (from 60 to 80 pounds) and climbing for someone specifically. Each climber will be given a badge to wear with the name and photograph of one of the FDNY firefighters killed on 9/11/01. Walkers are permitted to where whatever is most comfortable for them.

 

Funds raised go to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and families of firefighters and to help families directly affected by 9/11/01.

 

Participants of the Stair Climb can be Firefighters, EMS, Police, Military and anyone trained as a first responder. You should be in top physical condition, as this is an extremely demanding stair climb. Participants are encouraged to wear your full turnouts, SCBA, and carry a piece of equipment used for high-rise fires (ie: 2.5" hose pack or a forcible entry tool). However, you may participate in turnouts without equipment, or wearing gym shorts, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt. Participants of the Walk are open to anyone in the community. Remember: THIS IS NOT A RACE!

 

Sign-in will begin at 0700. Everyone must check in prior to 0815. We will share in a commemorative ceremony at the base of the Sunsphere at 8:30 a.m. The climb and walk will start immediately after the ceremony. The public is welcome to attend and may bring chairs and blankets.

 

Firefighter participants will be grouped into companies of seven for safety purposes. The start times will be staggered with the first teams starting shortly after 0845.

 

Bottled water will be provided but make sure that you thoroughly hydrate before, during, and after the climb.