KETTERING — A Kettering gym is honoring those who died on September 11th. It is raising money for the Kettering Fire Department. ‘Workout Anytime Kettering’ is hosting its inaugural 9/11 stair challenge this week.
110 flights is the goal at Workout Anytime Kettering. Gym owner, Holly Surface told NewCenter7′s Ronnell Hunt it was important to hold the stair climbing memorial in order to remember those that risk and lost their lives during the 911 attack.
With legs burning and sweat dripping, people from across Miami Valley are pushing themselves to the limit.
“This part is just a small token. When you start doing this and then you start thinking of those service men and women that actually did it this is nothing compare to what they went through and what their families are going through.” said Holly Surface, gym owner of Workout Anytime Kettering.
Surface, says she is encouraging people to donate -- to the Kettering Professional Firefighters Foundation, a volunteer program aimed at community service.
This, as people complete the 110 flights challenge -to represent the 110 flights that first responders had to walk inside of the Twin Towers during 9/11.
Joseph Meyer is a retired district fire chief and firefighter for more than three decades with the Dayton Fire Department. Meyer said, while he was a firefighter he visited New York shortly after 911, paying homage to first responders who lost their lives.
“It was probably one of the most humbling experiences of my lifetime.” Meyer said. “There were some miraculous recoveries of people getting out of the building and people that were rescued at the rescue site itself. You can’t believe the magnitude of that whole area unless you see it.”
During the three day challenge, some people have climbed more than the 110 flights.
A board in the lobby of the gym shows someone who did 220 flights-- representing the total flights of stairs in both Twin Towers.
“This kind of just gives you a little idea of what that would be like. Like obviously not even close, but it just gives you an idea of what those people are going through and what they put on the line physically, mentally and emotionally to be able to help us.” said Lauren Surface, as she neared the completion of 110 flights.
The stairclimbing challenge will continue until 5pm Friday. The gym says the overall goal is to raise at least $500.