Hundreds climb 104 floors at One World Trade Center in Tunnel to Towers Foundation's 7th Annual Tower Climb
NEW YORK -- One thousand people took the long way up One World Trade Center on Sunday, all in the name of charity.
The 7th Annual Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb once again honored first responders who gave their all on 9/11.
They started climbing before the sun even rose, scaling 104 grueling floors, the equivalent of 2,226 steps, to finish on the top floor of One World Observatory. The journey symbolizes the strength and resiliency of the city and its people post-9/11.
"If you were ever in the stairwell, it's not easy. And to think, if they were running up, many of them with fire gear, over 21 years ago, it's incredible," Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO Frank Siller said.
Every year, 1,000 participants sign up for the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb to support America's heroes.
Among them was Rob Jones, a double amputee Marine Corps veteran.
"I just did it, so if I can do it, there is pretty much anybody out there that can do it," he said.
Winning first place this year was Soh Wai Ching, an athlete from Malaysia who trains by climbing 300-400 floors daily. To him, this isn't just another sporting title.
"The reason why I'm doing this every year is to honor the sacrifice from the police officers, the officers who actually got into the stairs to save people. That's the mindset I apply to this competition. When I come into the stairs, I'm going to give my best," he said.
Sunday's event raised over half a million dollars to help the families of fallen first responders with mortgage payments.
It also provides a moment to reflect on the many acts of heroism that day, including FDNY Captain Billy Burke's decision to stay behind in the North Tower with stranded civilians.
"They knew that they could die, but he knew he was going to. He stayed behind and he gave his life to comfort somebody else. I think that's one of the greatest stories of 9/11," Siller said.
The annual climb making sure these stories are never forgotten.