West Palm Beach hosts 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Run to mark 25 years since attacks

Firefighters climb Northbridge Tower during the 2025 West Palm Beach 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb. [Photo courtesy of the City of West Palm Beach]

West Palm Beach firefighters and community members will turn endurance into remembrance during the eighth annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Run on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The event, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northbridge Tower, 515 N. Flagler Drive, will honor the firefighters, other first responders and civilians who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year’s gathering comes on the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

During the signature stair climb, participants will ascend the equivalent of 110 stories, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers. Participants will make slightly more than five trips up the 21-story Northbridge Tower to complete the tribute.

What began with a few off-duty West Palm Beach firefighters has grown into an event drawing more than 200 firefighters, law enforcement officers and community members from across Florida.

The program also includes a 5K fun run, a CrossFit Squad Workout Challenge, and the Bill Bone Hero Challenge, which combines the 5K and stair climb. Registration has sold out for everything except the 5K.

Proceeds will benefit the Pediatric Oncology Support Team, which assists children with cancer and their families, and Operation 300, which provides mentorship and adventure camps for children who have lost a parent in military service.