Saluki Stair Climb

9/11 Saluki Stair Climb Registration

Air Force ROTC Detachment 205, in partnership with Southern Illinois University Carbondale, hosts the annual September 11 Saluki Stair Climb Tribute. The event honors those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as the first responders, service members, and military personnel who answered the call in the days, months, and years that followed.

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, this year’s tribute carries special significance. In conjunction with SIU’s recognition of America at 250, the event provides an opportunity to reflect on a defining moment in our nation’s history and honor the enduring values of service, sacrifice, courage, resilience and unity.

The event is open to Southern Illinois first responders and veterans, SIU students, faculty and staff, and members of the local community.

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Event: 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb Tribute
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Participant Arrival Time: 5:45 am
Event Start Time: 6:00 am (*early start so cadets can get to 8:00 am classes)
Primary Location: Banterra Center Basketball Arena
Description: Participants are challenged to climb 110 flights of stairs representing the 110 floors that were in each of the World Trade Center buildings that fell on September 11th, 2001. This can be done individually or cumulatively as a team. Alternatively, participants have the option to walk 2 miles around the Banterra Center concourse, representing the evacuation distance from Ground Zero across the Brooklyn Bridge.

T-shirt give-away in limited quantities to those who complete the challenge! There will also be an online store soon with shirts for purchase. Commemorative remarks from ROTC commanders to kick off the event. Cold Blooded Coffee and Dave's Bagels will be on-site to keep everyone nourished and energized. Cold Blooded Coffee will be providing free coffee for participants. 

Registration/Waiver: A registration/waiver form must be signed upon arrival to participate. Fill out and submit the waiver online.

Registration/Waiver

Questions can be directed to events@siu.edu

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Unit Challenge of Remembrance

This year, we climb not only for the challenge, but in honor of those we will never forget.
Bring your colleagues, friends, and the campus community together to remember, reflect, and rise—while adding a friendly spark of competition.

Choose your unit, gather your team, and challenge another department, college, or office to see who can unite the most participants in tribute.

How It Works

Pick a Rival with Purpose: Call out another SIU unit and invite them to honor 9/11 alongside you. Share your challenge on social media and spread the spirit of remembrance.

Rise Together:  On event day, check in at the Unit Challenge station with your unit name and number of participants.

Scoring & Winning

Most Participants: The unit with the largest team will be recognized on social media.

Bragging Rights: Earn the honor of leading this year’s remembrance challenge.

More than a climb—this is a tribute. Gather your team, honor the day, and climb in memory of those who gave everything.