As the nation prepares to mark the 24th remembrance anniversary of the September 11th attacks, CR Fitness Holdings is once again bringing communities together through action, reflection, and unity. On Thursday, September 11th, the leading multi-unit franchisee of Crunch Fitness will host its annual 9/11 Stair Climb; a moving tribute honoring the heroic first responders who served during one of the most defining days in American history.
Held across 86 Crunch Fitness locations in Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, the event is open to members, non-members, and first responders alike. Participants will ascend 110 flights of stairs. These stairs symbolize the 110 floors of the World Trade Center, to honor the memory of those who climbed that same path with bravery and resolve on the morning of September 11th, 2001.
A Tribute in Every Step
The Crunch 9/11 Stair Climb is more than a workout; it’s a symbolic act of remembrance and unity. Participants will complete 2,071 steps, an effort mirroring the height of the Twin Towers. After finishing the climb, individuals will be invited to sign their names and record their step contributions, turning their personal effort into a collective act of tribute.
“September 11th is a day our nation will never forget,” said Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness Holdings. “Through our annual 9/11 Stair Climb, we come together as a Crunch community to pay tribute to the bravery and enduring commitment of all first responders.”
That sense of community is central to the event. Whether it’s a gym member honoring a fallen relative, a firefighter commemorating colleagues, or a newcomer seeking connection, the event opens its doors and stairways to all who want to remember, reflect, and move together.
Beyond the Gym: Honoring Heroes at Their Stations
CR Fitness is extending its recognition beyond the walls of its gyms. In the days leading up to the Stair Climb, Crunch Fitness team members are making visits to local fire stations across its operating regions. There, they’ll deliver refreshments and small tokens of appreciation, a sincere thank you to those who continue to risk their lives in the service of others.
It’s a heartfelt initiative that aligns with the company’s ongoing mission to be a pillar in the communities it serves. These station visits reinforce that remembrance isn’t limited to a single day; it’s a continued commitment to honor service and sacrifice.
A National Footprint with Local Impact
CR Fitness Holdings, LLC, operates Crunch Fitness gyms across five states and has announced plans to expand into Arizona. Behind the company’s growth are industry veterans Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, Tony Scrimale, and Jeff Dotson, who have helped shape Crunch Fitness into a brand known for inclusion, energy, and a deep-rooted connection to its communities.
While CR Fitness is building a strong national footprint, its approach to events like the 9/11 Stair Climb remains grounded in local impact. Each location becomes a hub for community gathering, storytelling, and remembrance. With the involvement of first responders and everyday citizens, the event creates a shared space for honoring those who have protected and continue to protect American lives.
From Reflection to Action
The 9/11 Stair Climb is not a race or competition; it’s an act of devotion. Some will complete the climb in silence; others will share memories as they climb. What matters is the intention behind every step. Each year, the event draws new participants, many of whom were too young to remember the events of 2001 but have grown up understanding the significance of that day.
That intergenerational engagement is part of what makes the Stair Climb a powerful tradition. It bridges the gap between memory and history, honoring not only those who served on September 11th, but also today’s firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and other first responders who carry on that legacy of courage.
And for Crunch Fitness, this isn’t a branding opportunity; it’s a core value in action. By dedicating time, resources, and visibility to this annual event, CR Fitness underscores its identity not just as a gym chain but as a committed community partner.
A Growing Tradition of Remembrance
As the 24th anniversary approaches, events like the Crunch 9/11 Stair Climb play an important role in national remembrance. They offer an accessible yet deeply meaningful way for people to engage with history, express gratitude, and reflect on how far we’ve come and how we move forward together.
For many, the act of climbing 110 flights of stairs is humbling. It prompts thoughts of the physical and emotional toll first responders faced; it transforms a workout into a walk through memory.
With 86 participating locations and a growing base of engaged members, CR Fitness is helping to ensure that the legacy of September 11th is not only preserved but also honored in motion, sweat, and community.
