Stair Climb Challenge To Honor Sept. 11 First Responders At Lacey Gym

LACEY, NJ — This year marks 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. To honor those who gave their lives during this horrific event, Retro Fitness Lacey is partnering with Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) for the gym's annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Challenge this Sept. 11.

Retro Fitness clubs across the country raise funds to support the foundation's mission to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families, build specially adapted smart homes for injured veterans, and working to end military veteran homelessness.

“Our clubs have always been about more than just fitness; they are about bringing communities together,” said Andrew Alfano, CEO of Retro Fitness. “Through our partnership with Tunnel to Towers, we’re uniting our members and neighbors nationwide to honor the heroes of 9/11 and to stand alongside first responders, veterans and their families.”

From Sept. 1 through 15, Retro Fitness clubs nationwide will offer members the opportunity to donate to the T2T Foundation with every point-of-sale purchase at the company’s Smoothie Bars and Pro Shops.

And the Lacey location will hold a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Challenge featuring a 110-flight challenge, symbolizing the number of floors in the World Trade Center towers.

Those who complete the challenge can receive 250 reward points in the Retro Fitness app, and the first 25 participants who take on and complete the stair climb challenge will also receive a commemorative t-shirt.

All area first responders are invited to attend and utilize the club’s facilities regardless of membership status. The event is also open to all community members.

Registration is not necessary. Retro Fitness members and local first responders can participate by visiting the club (410 S. Main St.) on Sept. 11.

“These tributes remind us that fitness is about more than physical strength. It’s also about resilience and unity,” Alfano said. “By opening our gyms to the community for this meaningful giveback effort, climbing together and standing together, we honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families. We’re inspiring our communities to live with purpose.”