On Saturday, September 13, downtown Raleigh will once again honor the heroes of September 11 with the 9/11 Tower Climb at 150 Fayetteville Street. Participants will tackle the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs—mirroring the climb first responders faced that day—while raising funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
“I’ve always been into fitness and giving back to the community, so starting this tower climb was a perfect mix of both,” says event founder Ian Butler, owner of Butler Elite Training. “My love and respect for first responders and the military makes this event extra special. I was born in upstate New York and have family and friends in New York State and surrounding areas, so this tragedy holds a special place in my heart.”
The climb is as much about determination as it is endurance. “Climbing stairs is a feat for most people, let alone 110 flights,” Butler says. “You’ll not only rely on cardiovascular conditioning, but also strength and pure determination. Having your fellow climbers with you is a great motivator, and even more are the supporters and volunteers who come out for the event.”
Last year’s event brought out local fire stations—some in full gear—and people who assisted with the 9/11 cleanup, sharing their stories and photos. Funds raised go to T2T.org, which helps pay off mortgages for families of fallen first responders and builds smart homes for those injured in the line of duty. “Tunnel to Towers gives this event more sense of purpose,” Butler says. “Not only does it represent the first responders and military we rely on every day, but it also raises money for their numerous services.”
This year will feature more sponsors, cold plunges from SweatHouz, and the national anthem performed live by a Raleigh band. While some participants aim to complete all 110 flights, Butler emphasizes that it’s not required. “Last year ,we had a lot of people do 10, 20, or 50 flights. The energy at this event will push you past your limits, and that part I love. To me, this event is bigger than all of us, so I encourage everyone to come and give it a shot.”
