The 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is quickly approaching. And I’m sure that there will be many memorials and remembrances happening that day. One of which is being spearheaded by my wonderful boyfriend, Steve Noviello.

Steve had an idea that he wanted to do an event to honor the lives lost on September 11th. He also wanted to incorporate his love of racing and endurance events. So, we tried to brainstorm ways that we could honor the lives lost and include his love of physical challenges.

The result is the 9/11 Heroes Challenge.

During the 9/11 Heroes Challenge, participants will have one hour and forty-two minutes — the time it took for the first tower to fall — to walk, run, or ruck, the equivalent of climbing to the top of the Twin Towers and back down. That’s 2,000+ stairs up and 2,000+ stairs down. To obtain the number of steps necessary to complete the Challenge, participants will do ten laps of a bleacher course at the Kenneth M. Robbins Stadium at Loyalsock High School.

Those taking the Challenge will be in one of three categories:
Challenge Division: Participants must complete ten laps of the bleacher course in one hour and forty-two minutes.
Warrior Division: Participants must complete the Challenge while carrying 10 to 40 pounds.
Hero Division: Participants must complete the Challenge with a 50-pound sandbag.

Regarding the different divisions, Steve added, “If you are fit and healthy, consider bringing some weight to carry. An hour and forty-two minutes is ample time to get the Challenge done, so this is a good opportunity to really push yourself. Plus, if you want to ditch the weight halfway through or just carry it every other lap, go for it. This is your Challenge, and it’s not a race.” I hear that he’s also open to joining you for a lap while carrying weight himself if you need some extra encouragement during the Challenge.

No matter what division a participant is in, they will be given a card with the name of a person who lost their life on 9/11 to carry during the event.

All proceeds will be donated to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, a charity that provides scholarships to family members of those who died on 9/11.

The cost of the event is $25, and the event begins at 8:00 a.m.

You can register for the event at http://www.eventbrite.com and search 9/11 Heroes Challenge. You can also see more information by searching the event on Facebook.

If you are unable to do the Challenge, but would like to donate to the event, please let me know! My number and email address are just to the left! We are also hoping to gain a couple of t-shirt sponsors, so if you would like to become an event sponsor for that, I’ll happily take the help!

I also want to thank Loyalsock High School for allowing us to host this event at the stadium, and of course shout out to Loyalsock Superintendent, Jerry Mclaughlin, for all his help and advice in organizing this event. And of course to Jimmy for helping to point us in the right direction!

We hope that everyone can come join us for a fun, challenging, and meaningful remembrance on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.