9/11 Challenge

Commemorating 25 Years: A Tribute to Our Heroes – WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

Each year, we solemnly honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

Join us and participate in this year’s 9/11 Challenge, taking place on Friday, September 11, at Doughboy Stadium from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also choose to complete the challenge independently on Saturday, September 12, or Sunday, September 13.  In remembrance of the fallen firefighters, we present our annual Stair Climb and a 9-exercise challenge, marking the 25th anniversary of one of the most somber days in our nation’s history.  

Participants can select from three options or do all of them:

Option 1: 9/11 Stair Climb:  Honor the FDNY firefighters by climbing or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center at Doughboy Stadium. This equates to approximately 2,200 steps or about 2 miles of stairs. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb serves as a solemn reminder of one of the most tragic days in American history.

Option 2: 9-Exercise Challenge (343 reps) + 1,100 steps:  The 9/11 Challenge features nine bodyweight exercises on the field of Doughboy Stadium. The total number of repetitions for each exercise symbolizes significant numbers from 9/11, including the 41 crew and passengers on Flight 93, the 59 crew and passengers on Flight 77, and the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon. The cumulative 343 repetitions represent the firefighters lost by the FDNY on 9/11. Participants will find instructional signs at Doughboy Stadium, detailing the number of repetitions and the 9/11 victims honored. Following the exercises, participants will complete a 1,100-step stair climb.

Option 3: 9-Exercise Challenge (343 reps) + 1,100 Steps + 2,763-yards (1.569 miles) Run:  Participants start with the nine bodyweight exercises at Doughboy Stadium, totaling 343 repetitions. This is followed by a stair climb of 1,100 steps and a run of 2,763 yards (1.569 miles) on the stadium track. The run distance symbolizes the 2,763 lives lost in the World Trade Towers on September 11.

The 9/11 Challenge starts at 6 a.m. on September 11 at Doughboy Stadium and continues until 4 p.m.  This year, participants also have the flexibility to complete the challenge at their convenience. You are welcome to visit Doughboy Stadium at any time on Saturday, September 12, or Sunday, September 13, to participate in the 9/11 Challenge.

Participation is free, registration is not required. All participants will receive a commemorative decal marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Those completing the challenge on September 11 will receive their decal at Doughboy Stadium. Participants opting to complete the challenge independently can collect their decal upon completion at the front desk of Smith Fitness Center.

Join us in honoring all the lives lost. United we stand, and we will never forget.  For further information, please contact Jamie Milburn at jamie.m.milburn.naf@army.mil.