FREE TEE TO FIRST 100 CLIMBERS, THANKS TO:
WAIVERS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLIMBERS, BUT EVENT IS FREE!
WAIVERS FOR MINORS (UNDER 18)
Kids of all ages are welcome, but a parent/guardian MUST sign a waiver for anyone under 18. If the minor is old enough and responsible enough to climb by him/herself, then you may send the signed waiver with the minor, or accompany him long enough to sign the waiver that day. (Please no young children without an adult at the event.) You may download the waiver here and print it to send along. To save time, there is an optional family waiver for kids and adults living at the same address and under the same guardianship.
HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY ARRIVE AT CLASS LATE
Hot Springs School District allows students to arrive late if they are climbing at the event. All minors must bring a waiver to the event, signed by a parent/guardian, in order to climb, or a parent may come with them and sign the waiver at the event.
Waivers and school permission slips are available at the school or here. A parent/guardian must bring ELEMENTARY students back to school after they climb. MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL students may come to school late without parents but must bring their signed permission slips.
9/11 GRAND STAIR CHALLENGE
9/11 GRAND STAIR CHALLENGE
9/11 GRAND STAIR CHALLENGE
The 9/11 Grand Stair Challenge is a unique event. Every year we meet at the foot of the Battle Mountain Grand Staircase, downtown Hot Springs, to climb the 141-step staircase with friends, neighbors and friends we have not met. Although sign in begins at 6:00 a.m. and we start climbing at 6:46 a.m., you may arrive any time after that. The Challenge Director will stay until 6:46 p.m. or the last climber is done, whichever comes first.
FLIGHT OF SILENCE
9/11 GRAND STAIR CHALLENGE
9/11 GRAND STAIR CHALLENGE
At 6:46 a.m., the time of the first attack on the World Trade Towers, we begin with a Flight of Silence—one trip up and down equals one Flight.
LAST MAN CLIMBING
9/11 GRAND STAIR CHALLENGE
CLIMB IN REMEMBRANCE
15 laps is roughly equivalent to climbing up and down one of the
World Trade Towers. Consider challenging yourself to climb one or more 'towers." The record is 151 flights (about 15 towers), held by Jeff Alley and Jeff VanMetre. (I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't seen it!)
CLIMB IN REMEMBRANCE
CLIMB IN REMEMBRANCE
The primary reason for this event is to remember the heroes and victims of 9/11; indeed, to remember the victims of terrorist attacks any time, any place.
CLIMB TO GET STRONGER
We believe that strong people build a strong country. We climb to strengthen ourselves in body, mind and spirit.
CLIMB FOR DOLLARS
This event also serves as the primary fundraiser for Challenge Dakota; an anonymous donor gives Challenge $1.00 for every flight climbed. That includes every time our flag is carried, and even every time your well-behaved, leashed dog climbs! This year the donor will match the funds raised with a donation to our Stair Preservation Fund, as we begin the big challenge of helping the City replace the two closed staircases.
LITTLE STEPS MEAN A LOT
LITTLE STEPS MEAN A LOT
LITTLE STEPS MEAN A LOT
Every time you complete one lap (up and down the 141 steps) Challenge receives $1.00. Same goes for our official U.S. flag, our 11th Man flag, and your leashed dog!
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHO?
WHAT?
Every year on September 11th we gather to climb the 141-step Battle Mountain Grand Staircase to climb as much as we are able. 15 flights (up and down) represent once up and down a World Trade Tower. Climb once, twice, as many times as you are able.
We climb in remembrance.
We climb to Get Strong.
We climb as much as we are able.
We climb until we need to leave for work or school.
We climb to support Challenge Dakota. An anonymous donor gives us $1.00 for every flight climbed by a person, a leashed, well-behaved dog, and the official Challenge U.S. flag.
WHERE?
Outside the Golden West offices at 1510 National, Hot Springs, SD, at the foot of the staircase.
WHEN?
September 11
6:00 a.m.: Sign in begins
6:15 a.m.: Program begins (approximately)
6:46 a.m.: Flight of Silence—when 11 climbers, led by a flag bearer, have climbed up and down the staircase once, the silence ends with the singing of the national anthem and climbers are then free to speak and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow climbers.
If you cannot get there by 6:46, come when you can. Climbers must sign a waiver, but there is no charge for this event. The Challenge Director will stay until the last climber finishes; in recent years this has been mid-afternoon, but each year is different. If you arrive before the director leaves, she will stay and support you until you are done climbing.
WHO?
This event is for all ages and abilities. If you are not sure you can climb, give it a try! Your well-behaved, leashed dog is welcome. Minors must have the signature of a guardian. You may download the waiver so that you can send it with the minor child. Questions? info@ChallengeDakota.com or 605-890-1515.
Non-climbers are encouraged to join us to share in remembrance and to support those who climb with your enthusiasm and admiration. Bring a chair.
“If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Henry Ford
