9/11 Memorial Stair Climb AT Autzen
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb events are a tribute to the 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement, and 55 Military personnel who gave their lives during the tragic events at the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
Members of the first-responder and military community are invited to climb the equivalent of 110 stories - the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers - on the steps of Autzen Stadium. Each climber is given a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen first responders or military, to symbolically complete the climb with one of the fallen.
At the equivalent of the 78th floor of the World Trade Center towers, which is the highest floor firefighters reached on 9/11, each climber rings the fire bell in honor of the fallen individual on their badge. The stair climb is not a timed race and participants can climb to any desired level.
Event is not open to the public. Invited climbers are: first-responders (firefighters, law enforcement, EMS), and military personnel as well as their immediate family members.
Onsite Registration/Check-in: 8:46 am
Opening Ceremony: 9:46 am
Climb Start: 10:30 am
Climb End: 12:30 pm
Members of the first-responder and military community are invited to climb the equivalent of 110 stories - the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers - on the steps of Autzen Stadium. Each climber is given a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen first responders or military, to symbolically complete the climb with one of the fallen.
At the equivalent of the 78th floor of the World Trade Center towers, which is the highest floor firefighters reached on 9/11, each climber rings the fire bell in honor of the fallen individual on their badge. The stair climb is not a timed race and participants can climb to any desired level.
Event is not open to the public. Invited climbers are: first-responders (firefighters, law enforcement, EMS), and military personnel as well as their immediate family members.
Onsite Registration/Check-in: 8:46 am
Opening Ceremony: 9:46 am
Climb Start: 10:30 am
Climb End: 12:30 pm
What
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb AT Autzen
Where
Autzen Stadium
When
Sept 11, 2026, 8:46am
PRESENTING SPONSoRS...
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Climb
For training purposes, how many steps are in the entire climb route?
The climb route begins in Section 7 and ends in Section 31. Only the ascending stairs are counted toward the total; descending stairs are not included.
In total, climbers will complete the equivalent of 110 stories—the combined height of the World Trade Center towers—which equals approximately 2,226 steps.
Throughout the course, handrails will remain on your right side during both the ascent and descent.
What does my wave or start time mean?
Your assigned wave is your estimated start time for the climb.
For example, participants in Wave 1 will be directed to the standby area located on the field level near Section 7. Wave 1 will then be led to the start of the climb by the Pipes & Drums Processional.
Once all participants in Wave 1 have begun the course, Wave 2 will be called to the standby area. This process will continue until all waves have started.
What's included with my registration?
All registered climbers will receive:
There are no age restrictions for participation.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Any child who is willing and able to complete the climb must be registered.
Children who are being carried by an adult may participate free of charge.
Are there fitness level restrictions?
Participants are responsible for assessing their own fitness level prior to participating.
If at any point the climb becomes too difficult, participants are encouraged to slow down, take a break, or stop climbing in the interest of safety.
All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to participating.
What are the qualifications for the "Geared Up" category?
Requirements:
Participants must wear a minimum of 30 pounds of gear for the entirety of the climb. Acceptable options include:
Participants who successfully complete all 110 stories while geared up will receive a commemorative patch recognizing their endurance, commitment, and dedication to honoring the fallen.
New for this year:A gear weigh-in process will be implemented to verify eligibility for the Geared Up category. Additional details regarding weigh-in procedures, approved equipment, and check-in requirements will be announced closer to the event. Please check back for updates.
Where do I park? Is there a fee?
Parking is available free of charge in Autzen Stadium's Entry 5 parking lot off Leo Harris Parkway.
Participant check-in and registration will take place at the East Gate of Autzen Stadium.
Look for the American flag suspended between two ladder trucks—you'll know you're in the right place.
What should I wear?
Participants are encouraged to wear:
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
What should I bring with me on the day of the climb?
Participants are encouraged to bring:
How will I know which wave I am in?
Wave assignments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and will be emailed to participants prior to the event.
At check-in, participants will receive a color-coded wristband corresponding to their assigned wave.
Please listen for announcements calling your wave and wristband color.
What is the climb route? How long will it take?
The climb route consists of approximately one full lap around the stadium bowl, ascending and descending sections that collectively equal 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Each wave will have a designated lead climber.
Depending on participation levels and individual fitness, the climb may take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
This event is not a race. Participants are encouraged to climb at a pace that is meaningful and comfortable for them.
Are cameras and phones safe to use?
While participants are welcome to bring phones and cameras, most climbers choose not to use them during the climb itself.
Photo opportunities will be available before and after the event.
For safety reasons, please remain aware of your surroundings if taking photos during the climb.
Will there be music during the climb?
The Pipes & Drums Processional will lead participants into the stadium bowl.
Once the procession concludes, there will be no music played throughout the climb.
This event is intended to be a time of remembrance and reflection.
Participants are welcome to use personal music devices with headphones; however, we encourage climbers to embrace the quiet moments, listen to the footsteps around them, and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the firefighters and first responders of September 11, 2001.
Will water be provided?
Yes. Water stations will be located throughout the climbing route.
Participants are encouraged to hydrate well before arriving at the event.
Will emergency medical personnel be on site?
Yes. Local emergency responders and medical personnel will be on site throughout the duration of the event.
In the event of an emergency, event volunteers will immediately communicate with emergency personnel.
What if the weather does not cooperate?
The climb will take place rain or shine.
In the event of severe weather or unsafe air quality conditions, the event may be postponed or canceled.
Any weather-related updates will be communicated via email and posted on the event website and social media channels.
Post-Climb
Are there photo opportunities?
Yes. Several photo opportunities will be available throughout the event, including:
How do I provide feedback?
A participant survey will be emailed following the event.
We value your feedback and use it to improve future climbs.
You may also send comments or questions directly to:
Jason Lockett
[email protected]
How are the proceeds from the event used?
One hundred percent of event proceeds are reinvested into future 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs.
Our goal is to ensure this event continues as a meaningful annual tradition that honors the lives lost and the heroes who responded on September 11, 2001.
Pre-Climb
For training purposes, how many steps are in the entire climb route?
The climb route begins in Section 7 and ends in Section 31. Only the ascending stairs are counted toward the total; descending stairs are not included.
In total, climbers will complete the equivalent of 110 stories—the combined height of the World Trade Center towers—which equals approximately 2,226 steps.
Throughout the course, handrails will remain on your right side during both the ascent and descent.
What does my wave or start time mean?
Your assigned wave is your estimated start time for the climb.
For example, participants in Wave 1 will be directed to the standby area located on the field level near Section 7. Wave 1 will then be led to the start of the climb by the Pipes & Drums Processional.
Once all participants in Wave 1 have begun the course, Wave 2 will be called to the standby area. This process will continue until all waves have started.
What's included with my registration?
All registered climbers will receive:
- Event T-shirt
- Honor Badge
- Challenge Coin
There are no age restrictions for participation.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Any child who is willing and able to complete the climb must be registered.
Children who are being carried by an adult may participate free of charge.
Are there fitness level restrictions?
Participants are responsible for assessing their own fitness level prior to participating.
If at any point the climb becomes too difficult, participants are encouraged to slow down, take a break, or stop climbing in the interest of safety.
All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to participating.
What are the qualifications for the "Geared Up" category?
Requirements:
Participants must wear a minimum of 30 pounds of gear for the entirety of the climb. Acceptable options include:
- Turnouts
- Ruck sack
- Air pack
- Weighted vest
- Duty gear (or equivalent)
Participants who successfully complete all 110 stories while geared up will receive a commemorative patch recognizing their endurance, commitment, and dedication to honoring the fallen.
New for this year:A gear weigh-in process will be implemented to verify eligibility for the Geared Up category. Additional details regarding weigh-in procedures, approved equipment, and check-in requirements will be announced closer to the event. Please check back for updates.
Where do I park? Is there a fee?
Parking is available free of charge in Autzen Stadium's Entry 5 parking lot off Leo Harris Parkway.
Participant check-in and registration will take place at the East Gate of Autzen Stadium.
Look for the American flag suspended between two ladder trucks—you'll know you're in the right place.
What should I wear?
Participants are encouraged to wear:
- Athletic clothing
- Partial or full first responder uniforms
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
What should I bring with me on the day of the climb?
Participants are encouraged to bring:
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Water bottle
- Personal items of remembrance
Participants may also carry items such as:
- Flags
- Tools
- Hoses
- Other meaningful equipment
How will I know which wave I am in?
Wave assignments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and will be emailed to participants prior to the event.
At check-in, participants will receive a color-coded wristband corresponding to their assigned wave.
Please listen for announcements calling your wave and wristband color.
What is the climb route? How long will it take?
The climb route consists of approximately one full lap around the stadium bowl, ascending and descending sections that collectively equal 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Each wave will have a designated lead climber.
Depending on participation levels and individual fitness, the climb may take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
This event is not a race. Participants are encouraged to climb at a pace that is meaningful and comfortable for them.
Are cameras and phones safe to use?
While participants are welcome to bring phones and cameras, most climbers choose not to use them during the climb itself.
Photo opportunities will be available before and after the event.
For safety reasons, please remain aware of your surroundings if taking photos during the climb.
Will there be music during the climb?
The Pipes & Drums Processional will lead participants into the stadium bowl.
Once the procession concludes, there will be no music played throughout the climb.
This event is intended to be a time of remembrance and reflection.
Participants are welcome to use personal music devices with headphones; however, we encourage climbers to embrace the quiet moments, listen to the footsteps around them, and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the firefighters and first responders of September 11, 2001.
Will water be provided?
Yes. Water stations will be located throughout the climbing route.
Participants are encouraged to hydrate well before arriving at the event.
Will emergency medical personnel be on site?
Yes. Local emergency responders and medical personnel will be on site throughout the duration of the event.
In the event of an emergency, event volunteers will immediately communicate with emergency personnel.
What if the weather does not cooperate?
The climb will take place rain or shine.
In the event of severe weather or unsafe air quality conditions, the event may be postponed or canceled.
Any weather-related updates will be communicated via email and posted on the event website and social media channels.
Post-Climb
Are there photo opportunities?
Yes. Several photo opportunities will be available throughout the event, including:
- Event entrance
- 78th Floor Memorial Bell
- 110th Floor Completion Area
How do I provide feedback?
A participant survey will be emailed following the event.
We value your feedback and use it to improve future climbs.
You may also send comments or questions directly to:
Jason Lockett
[email protected]
How are the proceeds from the event used?
One hundred percent of event proceeds are reinvested into future 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs.
Our goal is to ensure this event continues as a meaningful annual tradition that honors the lives lost and the heroes who responded on September 11, 2001.