THANK OUR SPONSORS:
THANK OUR SPONSORS:
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHO?
NOTE: ALTHOUGH THIS EVENT IS FREE, EVERYONE MUST SIGN A WAIVER. IF UNDER 18, GUARDIAN MUST SIGN. YOU MAY SIGN AT THE EVENT OR DOWNLOAD WAIVERS HERE. HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY ARRIVE LATE TO SCHOOL (SEE GUIDELINES). FIND WAIVERS, GUIDELINES AND PERMISSION SLIPS HERE!
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
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
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
Fifteen 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 162 flights (a whopping 22,842 steps), established in 2024 by fifteen-year-old Adam DuBois.
Adam impressed his fellow climbers by completing this feat in blue jeans in spite of the day’s heat.
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!
