Lethbridge 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

The Lethbridge Memorial Stair Climb is an annual tribute that honors those who lost their lives while serving in public safety roles, particularly focusing on the firefighters and emergency responders of Southern Alberta. This challenging event involves ascending 110 stories, mirroring the height of the World Trade Center towers before September 11th, a distance many rescuers would have covered during their heroic efforts.
Participants are encouraged to raise funds for A New Dawn Foundation and Lethbridge Firefighters Charities Association through sponsorships. These organizations provide support services such as counseling and therapy for families affected by public safety personnel's duties in the region. Over $50,000 has been donated since its inception, demonstrating a strong community commitment.
Registration before September 20th guarantees participants a free T-shirt, with early registrants also receiving shaker cups. The event emphasizes individual fitness levels and personal pacing strategies but fosters camaraderie among climbers through mutual encouragement. Safety is paramount; all participants must sign a waiver prior to the climb, which can be obtained at package pick-up or on-site.
Package pickup takes place two days before the event at Lethbridge Supplements and Vitamins from 12:00-6:00 pm on October 2nd, where climbers will receive their race materials. For those unable to attend this session, waivers must still be signed prior to starting the climb at Melcor Center.
The stairwell route is straightforward but demanding; each participant climbs one flight and descends another in a continuous loop until reaching the designated height of 110 stories. The event organizers create heats with staggered start times for safety reasons, ensuring that climbers can take breaks off the stairs as needed while maintaining hydration throughout their climb.
Appropriate footwear is essential, with good running shoes recommended over specialized firefighting gear to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during this physically intense endeavor. While timing chips are used to track progress accurately, the event is not a race but rather an opportunity for individuals to challenge themselves and honor fallen heroes in a supportive community environment.