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, 2025, 8:46am
PRESENTING SPONSoRS...
Frequently Asked Questions:
Pre Climb
For training purposes, How many steps are in the entire climb route?
The climb route starts in Section 7, and ends in Section 31. The ascend is what is counted as a step, the descend steps are not calculated in the total number of steps. In total, climber will each climb the equivalent of 110 stories (total height of the World Trade Center) which is approximately 2,226 steps. In each section the handrails will always remain on your right side for you ascend and descend.
What does my wave or start time mean?
Your start time is the estimated time you will start the course. For example, a participant in “Wave 1” will be asked to go to “standby” area located on field level at the bottom of section 7.
Wave 1 will be led over to section 7 by Pipes & Drums Processional and begin climbing at the end of processional. Once the last participant in Wave 1 starts, Wave 2 will then be asked to make their way to standby area and this sequence repeats until all waves have been completed.
What’s included with my registration?
All climbers will receive a T-shirt, honor badge, challenge coin, as well as a post climb drink ticket.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions. If a participant is under 18 years of age they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Any child that is willing and able to climb the route will need to register. Participation is free for children being carried by an adult.
Are there fitness level restrictions?
We count on participants to assess their level of fitness. If at any point the climb becomes too difficult, participants are encouraged to take a break or stop climbing in the interest of safety. Before the climb, all participants must sign a waiver in order to participate.
What is the qualifications for "geared up"?
Only First Responders and Military Personnel are eligible to complete the climb “geared up.” Family members and supporters are not permitted to participate in this category.
Requirements:
Participants must wear a minimum of 30 pounds of gear for the entirety of the climb. Acceptable options include:
Where do I park? Is there a fee to park?
Park in Entry 5 of Autzen Stadium off Leo Harris Parkway. Parking is free of charge at the stadium for the day for participants, family and staff. Registration is at the East gate of Autzen Stadium. Look for the American flag hanging from 2 ladder trucks and you are going the right direction.
What should I wear?
Participants can wear athletic clothing or partial or full first responder uniform. Please bring/wear clean gear. Plan accordingly for weather.
What should I bring with me the day of the climb?
Participants are encouraged to bring a camera or smartphone for photo opportunities during the opening ceremony and post-climb. They can bring tools, hoses, flags or other items if they choose.
During the Climb
How will I know which wave I am on the day of the climb?
Waves are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. You will be notified of your wave prior to the event via email.
During registration each participant will receive a color-coded wristband that will represent each wave. Listen for the announcer to call your wave/color.
What is the climb route? How long will it take to complete the climb?
The climb route is close to one full lap, up and down sections around the bowl that equate to 110 stories – the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers starting in Section 8 and ending in Set Each wave will have a pre-established lead climber. Depending on the number of climbers and the fitness level of each climber, the climb takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete. The climb is NOT a timed race.
Are cameras and phones safe to use?
Climbers usually do not use phones and cameras during the climb. Climbers should bring a camera for photo opportunities during the opening ceremony and post climb.
Will there be music to climb to?
Pipes and drums will lead climbers into the bowl. After the procession has finished, music will not be played inside of the bowl. This event is about remembrance. You are welcome to bring a personal music device to listen to with headphones, but we encourage climbers to reflect during the climb. Listen to the constant footsteps made by yourself and others climbing around you. Think about the commitment and dedication of the firefighters from 9/11 - let that be your motivation to finish the climb.
Will water be provided?
Yes, plenty of water stations will be positioned at various locations along the climbing route; however, climbers are encouraged to properly hydrate prior to the event.
Will an emergency and medical team be on staff?
Yes, there will be local emergency crews on site for the duration of the climb. In the event of an emergency, event volunteers will communicate with emergency personnel.
What if the weather does not cooperate?
The climb is held rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or poor air quality, the event will be cancelled. Weather updates will be emailed to registrants. This event page will also be updated with weather related concerns.
Post Climb
Are there photo opportunities?
There will be several photo ops available during the climb. One at the entrance of the stadium, one at the 78th floor bell, the other on the completion of the 110th floor. We will also have photographers walking around taking photos/video throughout the climb.
How do I provide feedback?
A feedback survey will be emailed to all climbers following the event. Please tell us about your climb experience to help make this event better next year. We appreciate your valuable feedback. Please email Jason Lockett at [email protected]
How are the proceeds from the event used?
100% of the proceeds go future 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs as our goal is to make this an annual event.
Pre Climb
For training purposes, How many steps are in the entire climb route?
The climb route starts in Section 7, and ends in Section 31. The ascend is what is counted as a step, the descend steps are not calculated in the total number of steps. In total, climber will each climb the equivalent of 110 stories (total height of the World Trade Center) which is approximately 2,226 steps. In each section the handrails will always remain on your right side for you ascend and descend.
What does my wave or start time mean?
Your start time is the estimated time you will start the course. For example, a participant in “Wave 1” will be asked to go to “standby” area located on field level at the bottom of section 7.
Wave 1 will be led over to section 7 by Pipes & Drums Processional and begin climbing at the end of processional. Once the last participant in Wave 1 starts, Wave 2 will then be asked to make their way to standby area and this sequence repeats until all waves have been completed.
What’s included with my registration?
All climbers will receive a T-shirt, honor badge, challenge coin, as well as a post climb drink ticket.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions. If a participant is under 18 years of age they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Any child that is willing and able to climb the route will need to register. Participation is free for children being carried by an adult.
Are there fitness level restrictions?
We count on participants to assess their level of fitness. If at any point the climb becomes too difficult, participants are encouraged to take a break or stop climbing in the interest of safety. Before the climb, all participants must sign a waiver in order to participate.
What is the qualifications for "geared up"?
Only First Responders and Military Personnel are eligible to complete the climb “geared up.” Family members and supporters are not permitted to participate in this 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
- This weight represents both the physical burden and the sacrifice of those being honored.
Where do I park? Is there a fee to park?
Park in Entry 5 of Autzen Stadium off Leo Harris Parkway. Parking is free of charge at the stadium for the day for participants, family and staff. Registration is at the East gate of Autzen Stadium. Look for the American flag hanging from 2 ladder trucks and you are going the right direction.
What should I wear?
Participants can wear athletic clothing or partial or full first responder uniform. Please bring/wear clean gear. Plan accordingly for weather.
What should I bring with me the day of the climb?
Participants are encouraged to bring a camera or smartphone for photo opportunities during the opening ceremony and post-climb. They can bring tools, hoses, flags or other items if they choose.
During the Climb
How will I know which wave I am on the day of the climb?
Waves are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. You will be notified of your wave prior to the event via email.
During registration each participant will receive a color-coded wristband that will represent each wave. Listen for the announcer to call your wave/color.
What is the climb route? How long will it take to complete the climb?
The climb route is close to one full lap, up and down sections around the bowl that equate to 110 stories – the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers starting in Section 8 and ending in Set Each wave will have a pre-established lead climber. Depending on the number of climbers and the fitness level of each climber, the climb takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete. The climb is NOT a timed race.
Are cameras and phones safe to use?
Climbers usually do not use phones and cameras during the climb. Climbers should bring a camera for photo opportunities during the opening ceremony and post climb.
Will there be music to climb to?
Pipes and drums will lead climbers into the bowl. After the procession has finished, music will not be played inside of the bowl. This event is about remembrance. You are welcome to bring a personal music device to listen to with headphones, but we encourage climbers to reflect during the climb. Listen to the constant footsteps made by yourself and others climbing around you. Think about the commitment and dedication of the firefighters from 9/11 - let that be your motivation to finish the climb.
Will water be provided?
Yes, plenty of water stations will be positioned at various locations along the climbing route; however, climbers are encouraged to properly hydrate prior to the event.
Will an emergency and medical team be on staff?
Yes, there will be local emergency crews on site for the duration of the climb. In the event of an emergency, event volunteers will communicate with emergency personnel.
What if the weather does not cooperate?
The climb is held rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or poor air quality, the event will be cancelled. Weather updates will be emailed to registrants. This event page will also be updated with weather related concerns.
Post Climb
Are there photo opportunities?
There will be several photo ops available during the climb. One at the entrance of the stadium, one at the 78th floor bell, the other on the completion of the 110th floor. We will also have photographers walking around taking photos/video throughout the climb.
How do I provide feedback?
A feedback survey will be emailed to all climbers following the event. Please tell us about your climb experience to help make this event better next year. We appreciate your valuable feedback. Please email Jason Lockett at [email protected]
How are the proceeds from the event used?
100% of the proceeds go future 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs as our goal is to make this an annual event.