The ‘Stair Climb Challenge’ to honor fallen heroes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A fitness center in Sioux Falls is marking a tragic day in American history with a challenge for the public.

It’s a workout for a cause at Crunch Fitness in Sioux Falls. 110 flights of stairs. 2,071 steps to represent the fallen World Trade Center towers.

“Crunch nationwide we are hosting a 9/11 stair climb in honor of the people that didn’t make it out of the World Trade Center, the residence, the employees, and our First Responders,” Crunch Fitness Group Fitness Coordinator Ashley Hartshorn said.

Ashley Hartshorn is the group fitness coordinator at Crunch and says success in the challenge is more than a number.

“We encourage everybody to try and reach the 110 floors. If their body only allows five floors, 20, 50, just do what they can to honor those who have been fallen,” Hartshorn said.

“I figure I’m going to at least double it so I’ve got at least 30 floors left,” Sioux Falls resident Ryan Feekes said.

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Sioux Falls resident Ryan Feekes has been coming to the gym for nine months. He’s looking to live a healthier lifestyle and wanted to complete the stair climb challenge. He made it 256 floors.

“Pretty tough. I was wanting to give up after only about 50 floors,” Feekes said.

The motivation behind Feekes’ climb is simple but significant.

“The First Responders and the military and things that enable me to live the life that I live,” Feekes said.

These steps are in motion as a tribute to a day and tragedy that mean something different to everyone.

“I have two parents that are in the military and so any sort of tragedy like this that puts our country at an uneasy state, it really strikes a chord with me and this is a small token for those who have sacrificed everything,” Hartshorn said.

The Stair Climb Challenge is open to members and guests until midnight tonight, with non-members receiving a free week trial for participating on 9/11.