GILLETTE, Wyo. — The fourth-annual 9/11 stair climb is set for next Wednesday evening at Thunder Basin High School. The event is free to participate in and will also be selling event T-shirts, the proceeds of which will all go to local first responders, according to event organizers.
Memorial stair climbs pay tribute to the New York City Fire Department firefighters who climbed the 110 flights of the World Trade Center while rescuing people during the 9/11 attacks in 2001. A total of 343 FDNY personnel died in the attack, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
In addition to FDNY officers, many everyday officegoers gave their lives helping others to safety that day. One of the most famous is Welles Crowther, who posthumously became known as The Man in The Red Bandana. Crowther, a investment banking intern and former firefighter, ushered multiple people to safety from the upper floors of the South Tower.
Memorial climb participants climb a total of 2,200 steps to replicate the path firefighters took that day, which can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three-plus hours, depending on a person’s fitness level.
Some participants also choose to take on extra weighted packs or vests during the climb to replicate the weight of firefighting equipment. It’s also important to note that stair climb events are not timed races, as the task itself is a difficult undertaking.
The 9/11 Stair Climb event in Gillette will take place on Sept. 11 at Thunder Basin High School’s stadium. Registration begins at 5:15 p.m. and the climb begins at 6 p.m.
Event organizer Talon Geer said in an email to County 17 that the climb helps bring people together and honors first responders. “I think it is a great way to get the community involved and to help recognize the lives lost on 9/11 and our own local first responders!” Geer wrote.
