Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
9/11 Charity's Stair Climb Will Return To 1 World Trade Center, Finishing At Observatory
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 7, 2016
Modified Apr 7, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 7, 2016
Modified Apr 7, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Following a very public dispute, a 9/11 charity has announced that its annual stair climb will be at 1 World Trade Center. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced the climb will take place on the morning of Sunday, May 15th—with a new finish line.
The group said, "While last year's climb went to the 90th floor of One World Trade Center, which was still under construction, this year the climb will finish at One World Observatory, with its breathtaking views of New York, on the 102nd floor. One World Observatory is located at One World Trade Center."
Because the event is limited to 1000 stair-climbers, the foundation is urging those wishing to join in the celebration at the renowned One World Observatory to register as soon as possible. To do so, they should go to: tunnel2towers.org
Last month, the non-profit said that the Durst Organization, which co-owns 1 WTC with the Port Authority, had led them to believe they could hold the event there again, before changing its mind.
A Durst spokesman explained, "As we learned from last year's event, the unique design and security requirement of One World Trade Center make stair-climbs extraordinarily challenging. With more tenants, the logistics are even more complex this year." But the charity involved NY Governor Andrew Cuomo and NJ Governor Chris Christie; since Christie was held hostage, Cuomo stepped in, saying he was "confident that remaining issues will be resolved so the event can happen again this year."
The charity was formed in honor of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who just finished his shift in Park Slope when the planes hit the World Trade Center on September 11th. In spite of being off duty, he drove to Manhattan and found Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was closed to cars. So he carried 60 pounds of gear and ran through the tunnel. Siller was was seen last at West Street. The charity, headed by his brother Frank, organizes charity 5K runs as well as raises money for loved ones of first responders; in 2014, they paid off the mortgages of the homes owned by two slain NYPD officers.
Tagged
1 world trade center
1 WTC
9/11
one world observatory
Stephen Siller tunnel to Towers FOundation
tunnel to towers
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says
Sukken Wong, 62, allegedly stabbed her nonverbal son, Byran Wong, 25, to death.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 8:01 a.m. ET
Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress
A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
By
Walter Wuthmann
,
Jon Campbell
and
Brigid Bergin
News
Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress
A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
By
Walter Wuthmann
,
Jon Campbell
and
Brigid Bergin
Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors
By
Ryan Kost
NYC Council to grill Mamdani officials on collapsed Hunts Point Produce Market deal
By
Elizabeth Kim
NYPD arrests 17-year-old in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .