Gila River Arena
9400 W Maryland Ave
Glendale AZ 85305

Remembering Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

In honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001, and in continued honor of our first responders and military who protect us from foreign and domestic threats, we gather to pay our respects at the annual 911 Tower Challenge.

The World Trade Center's Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2071 steps, and each year thousands of people across Arizona walk, climb and run the stairs to remember. Firefighters in full gear, Police, Military and Bomb Squad personnel march steadily alongside civilians of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Photographs of our fallen heroes line the stairs, and participants pause briefly to read the names in recognition of the sacrifice each made while in the service of others. This powerful morning will reconnect you to the kindness, strength and bravery exhibited on that dark day.

Together we vow to Never Forget.

Proceeds go to support The 100 Club of Arizona. For more information, please visit the 100 Club of Arizona's website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is the event in Phoenix held?

The Tower Challenge will be held at the Gila River Arena in Glendale.

What time does the event start?

The opening ceremonies begin promptly at 0800 so please ensure to allow enough time to park and check in prior to that time. We recommend arriving 30 minutes early.

What precautions are you taking to protect against COVID-19?

We are monitoring the situation and working with the venue to ensure the safest situation for everyone and will implement any required minimum distances and protocols required by the venue. Masks are not required.

When do I need to register by?

Early registration ends August 6 with a guaranteed t-shirt size of choice and we are also limiting the number of in-person attendees, so it's critical to sign up early to ensure you get a spot.

Having an early registration allows us to guarantee t-shirt sizes and ensure they arrive in time for packet pickup prior to the event. After early registration has ended on August 6, the entry fee will rise, and t-shirt sizes will no longer be guaranteed.

All registrations will end August 31 or when event capacity is reached. If available, late registration will open September 1 and end September 6.

When is packet pickup?

We will offer 3 offsite locations for packet pick up (Glendale, Phoenix and East Valley) prior to the event.  We will send details as the date gets closer and can check our website at 100club.org for updated information.

Can I register on the day of the event?

Only if we have not reached event capacity! Please click on the “Register to Climb” link above, and if there’s room, you’ll be able to register. Remember that sales close between 9/6 - 9/9 and reopen on 9/10 if available.

Once capacity is reached, we will be unable to accommodate day-of registrants. Please be aware that for day-of registrants, a t-shirt is not guaranteed, and you may miss the beginning of the event. We highly recommend registering for the event prior to its start time.

How do I join a team after registering as an individual?

If you're joining a team, be sure to get the team name from the Team Captain first and put that team name in the notes when registering.

Can children attend the event?

Children must be 16 & older to climb the stairs, and may not be carried on the stairs during the event, however they may participate in the concourse walk. Child care is not provided, however each location will have a designated area for children with their guardians.

I’d like to watch the event as a non-participant, or I’m participating in the event and bringing someone along to watch. How do I reserve a spot?

All non-participants must be supporting a registered individual. To reserve a spot, select the “Non-Participant Attendee” free registration and fill out the information. As a requirement of attending, you’ll need to put in the name of the person that is being supported and we will check to ensure that person is registered.

Where do I park?

Park in the Gila River Area parking lot. Parking is complimentary.

What should I bring with me to the event?

Comfortable clothing, running shoes/sneakers, and the badge you received in your registration bag (this gains you entry to the event). We provide water at the event, but please hydrate the day before!

Will there be heat waves to start the event?

Yes, on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone will receive a wristband denoting which wave they will be part of. Teams do not need to walk together, but if there is a preference to do so, we recommend ensuring your team arrives together to the event.

I’m much (faster/slower) than the others. What should I do?

First, please remember that this is a memorial event and personal challenge, and not a fitness competition. Please be respectful to everyone around you and be aware of your surroundings as you progress. Almost all of the staircases will be split into two, divided by a handrail, so the general rule is that slower climbers stay to the right, and faster climbers stay to the left. All first responders in full turnout get the right of way. Please be respectful of each one and give them plenty of space during their climb.

For fast climbers, please be sure to stay to the left, and be patient if you find that you’re behind someone slower than yourself. You’ll get a chance to pass at the top of each staircase. For slower climbers, stay to the right, and feel free to step out of the aisle and into the stands to let others pass if you wish; or if you want to pass another slow climber, please ensure the way is clear before moving to the left side, making your pass, and then move back to the right.

What should I do if I need a break or need help?

Anyone who needs a break is welcome to take a seat in the stands. If you’re a climber and you’d like to switch to the walk, you may be permitted to do so as you wish. If you need help, please find one of our volunteers.

How long does the climb typically take to complete?

While this ranges based on experience level, we see anywhere from 30 minutes at best to an hour at most, but the majority of attendees complete it within 45 minutes.

Can I wear my gear, such as body armor or other personal protective equipment?

Absolutely. We love to have firefighters in full turnout, police and military in body armor at the event. It serves as a visual reminder of what our fallen Heroes went through that day, and of what our first responders and current Heroes are willing to do for us now. If you choose to kit up, you’ll have your own start point to give you a bit of a head start.

I’m military, police, public safety, or other first responder. Do I get a discount?

Thank you SO much for your service! You are the reason why we hold this event. We don’t have a general discount because the majority of attendees are first responders of some type - and the proceeds are fed directly back into your community via the beneficiaries.