South Florida Local News
West Palm Beach will host the 7th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and the 2nd annual 5K Fun Run to honor first responders and raise funds for local charities
West Palm Beach, Florida – The community of West Palm Beach will once again come together to honor the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001, with the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and the 2nd Annual 5K Fun Run. The event, hosted by the West Palm Beach Fire Department and Police Department, is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, starting at 8 a.m. at 515 North Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach.
The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a solemn tribute designed to emulate the courage and endurance of first responders who ascended the World Trade Center towers on that fateful day. Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, a physical and symbolic gesture reflecting the heroism and sacrifice of firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel.
“This event is about remembering and honoring those who gave so much on 9/11,” said organizers of the stair climb. “Every step participants take represents the bravery and determination of first responders who faced unimaginable circumstances to save others.”
In addition to the stair climb, the event will feature a 5K Fun Run, the CrossFit Squad Workout Challenge, and the Bill Bone Hero Challenge. Each activity is designed to encourage community involvement while raising awareness and funds for local causes. The combination of athletic challenge and memorial reflection allows participants of all ages and fitness levels to contribute in their own way.
Proceeds from the event will benefit three local organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of South Florida residents. The Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) provides vital support to children battling cancer and their families, offering resources, guidance, and hope during difficult times. Operation 300 supports Gold Star families by mentoring and caring for children of fallen military members, ensuring these families receive ongoing guidance and community support. Additionally, proceeds will fund Fire Academy Scholarships for students at Palm Beach Lakes High School who aspire to pursue careers in firefighting, helping the next generation of first responders follow their dreams.
Over the past several years, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Committee has raised and contributed $195,000 to these causes, with $90,000 going to POST, $85,000 to Operation 300, and $20,000 dedicated to Fire Academy scholarships. These contributions reflect the event’s commitment not only to remembrance but also to building a stronger and more supportive community.
The organizers encourage media representatives, community members, and all who wish to honor 9/11 first responders to attend the event. “It is important that we come together as a city to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who acted selflessly on September 11, 2001,” said the event team. “This event allows us to honor their memory while making a positive impact in our community.”
For participants and attendees, the stair climb and associated events offer both a personal challenge and a collective act of remembrance. Whether climbing 110 stories, running in the 5K, or taking part in the workout and hero challenges, individuals have the opportunity to demonstrate resilience, pay tribute, and contribute to meaningful causes in the region.
For additional information about the West Palm Beach 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, registration, or volunteer opportunities, interested parties can visit the official website or contact Patryk Mierzejewski via email at [email protected]. The organizers invite everyone in the community to join in remembering the heroes of 9/11 and supporting the local programs that help children, families, and aspiring first responders in South Florida.
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