Earn Your Calories at the Bisbee Stair Climb
It’s no secret that Bisbee, AZ, has no shortage of great food and fun drinks, and all of that incredible BBQ that you’re eating here at Legion Bar & Grill has to go somewhere. If you’d rather not see it stick around your midsection, consider signing up for the annual Bisbee stair climb. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome to sign up!
What’s the Bisbee Stair Climb?
The Annual Bisbee 1000: The Great Stair Climb, much as the name suggests, is a competitive stair climbing event that takes place each year in Bisbee, Arizona. It’s one of the most unique fitness challenges in the U.S.
The course spans 4.5 miles and covers just over 1,000 steps across nine staircases. Runners (walkers are welcome, too) will be treated to some of the most scenic views in Old Bisbee.
So… Why Stairs?
The Annual Bisbee 1000: The Great Stair Climb is a modern product of our town’s history and unique geography. Bisbee was founded amidst the Mule Mountains as a mining town, and flat land is in short supply here. There is no shortage of stairs, however, and the many stairs you can see around Bisbee today often began life as mule paths when pack animals were needed to ferry supplies up to houses perched along the mountainside.
Those mule paths were later turned into wooden ladder-like stairs. During the Great Depression, the WPA replaced the wooden stairs with concrete fixtures. Today, many houses in the area are still only accessible via stairs, which is perhaps one reason why you’ll see lots of physically fit people around town (and why booking a moving company can sometimes be challenging).
So, why not stairs? The Bisbee stair climb started life in 1990. At that time, only about 200 people signed up to take part in this quirky event. The idea caught on like wildfire, however, and today it’s so popular that you have to sign up well in advance if you want to participate because the event planners have had to cap the number at 1,500 participants.
The Details
The 2024 stair climb is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 19th. Expect to arrive between 7am and 8:45am. Early birds can grab a breakfast burrito at the St. Patrick’s Parish Church, which is right next to the check-in area. Note that only the registered participant can pick up their bib number and other race packet items. Chip timing is in effect.
If you’re still alive and kicking at the end of the stair climb, stick around for pickleball and other fitness demonstrations, as well as the awards ceremony (awards will not be mailed and you cannot pick up someone else’s award for them).
Recuperate at Legion Bar & Grill
Feeling a bit thirsty after climbing all those stairs? Legion Bar & Grill has your back. We’ve got our own craft beer brewery on site, and our menu also features award-winning local wines and fun drinks like the Green Hornet, along with our legendary barbecue. Swing by for a pick-me-up or call (520) 631-7133 to book our private party venue!
