9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: What It Is and 2026 Events Near You

What began in 2005 with five off-duty Colorado firefighters climbing a Denver high-rise has grown into one of the fire service's most recognized annual traditions, now held in stadiums, arenas, and office towers across dozens of U.S. cities and internationally.

How the Tradition Started

The first stair climb held to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's (NFFF) mission took place on September 11, 2005, when five off-duty Colorado firefighters climbed 110 flights of a downtown Denver high-rise in memory of their FDNY brothers. The following year, twelve firefighters from four departments joined in. Participation grew every year after, eventually capped at 343 climbers in Denver by 2008 — one for every FDNY member lost. Since then, the format has spread nationally, with individual departments, IAFF locals, and community partners hosting their own versions in stadiums, arenas, office towers, and parking structures.

How a Stair Climb Works

• The distance: 110 flights, matching the height of the Twin Towers — commonly translated to roughly 2,200 steps, repeated laps of a stadium or arena staircase, or the equivalent in an office tower.
• The badge: Each climber is given the name and photograph of one of the fallen — firefighters, and at many events, police officers, Port Authority officers, and military personnel as well — to symbolically complete that person's journey.
• The bell: At many events, climbers ring a fire bell at the equivalent of the 78th floor — the highest floor firefighters are known to have reached on 9/11 — in honor of the person on their badge.
• Gear: Some climbers wear full bunker gear or a weighted vest to replicate the physical demand FDNY firefighters faced; this is typically encouraged but optional, and it is not a timed race.
• Who can join: Policies vary by event — some are open only to first responders, military, and their families, while many others (like most community stadium climbs) welcome any member of the public as a climber, volunteer, or spectator.

2026 Stair Climb Events (25th Anniversary)

With 2026 marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks, participation this year has been especially large, including an international contingent of over 1,200 UK and Irish firefighters traveling to Atlanta to join U.S. crews. A few confirmed 2026 events, drawn from publicly listed registrations:

This is a partial list — dozens more stair climbs are held nationwide each September, including annual events at Lambeau Field (in partnership with Pierce Manufacturing) and through Retro Fitness locations across the country. Most are organized locally by IAFF locals, individual fire departments, or community partners in coordination with the NFFF; check with your local fire department, IAFF local, or a quick search for "[your city] 9/11 stair climb" for the nearest event.

Where the Money Goes

Most stair climbs are fundraisers, typically benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and, often, a local firefighters' relief fund or union foundation as well. NFFF-linked proceeds support surviving families of fallen firefighters — funding programs like family counseling, scholarships, and transportation assistance for families and injured firefighters needing to travel for medical care. Registration fees for climber participation are common (commonly in the $30–$110 range depending on the event), while spectating is typically free.