Crunch Fitness Franchisees Honor 9/11 First Responders with Stair Climb Remembrances
Posted: September 6, 2025 in Chains
Crunch
TAMPA BAY, FL – In observance of the 24th remembrance anniversary of September 11th, CR Fitness Holdings, the leading and fastest-growing franchisee of Crunch Fitness, will once again host its annual 9/11 Stair Climb on Thursday, September 11th. This event serves as a powerful tribute to responders who bravely served on that tragic day in 2001 and those who continue to protect our people today.
Open to members, non-members, and first responders, the 9/11 Stair Climb is a powerful tribute of honor and remembrance for local communities. Participants will take on 110 flights of stairs, or 2,071 steps in representation of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. After completing the climb, everyone is invited to sign their names and record their step contributions as a collective act of unity.
“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.”
As part of the lead-up to the event, Crunch Fitness team members will visit local fire stations to personally thank first responders for their unwavering dedication. During these visits, the team will deliver refreshments and tokens of appreciation as a heartfelt gesture honoring their selfless service. First responders are invited to participate in the 9/11 Stair Climb at any of the 86 CR Fitness locations across Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
CR Fitness Holdings, LLC, led by industry veterans Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, Tony Scrimale, and Jeff Dotson, now operates 86 Crunch Fitness locations across Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee – with plans to expand into Arizona.
As the nation marks the 24th anniversary of September 11th, Crunch Fitness remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring the memory of the heroes who answered the call that day and those who continue to exemplify courage and dedication as first responders.
ORLANDO, FL – Fitness Ventures, one of the fastest-growing Crunch Fitness franchisees, will host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Stair Climb Challenge on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at all Fitness Ventures–operated Crunch locations across 28 states.
The event invites members, non-members, employees, first responders, and local neighbors to climb 110 flights of stairs, or 2,071 steps, in honor of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. Each year on September 11, local firefighters in full gear use the StairMasters at Crunch to pay tribute to the first responders who gave their lives. The challenge brings communities together to remember the FDNY’s sacrifice and to recognize the daily service of fire departments everywhere.
“It is essential to remember and honor the heroes who responded on September 11, 2001,” said Brian Hibbard, CEO of Fitness Ventures. “By hosting the Stair Climb Challenge in all our clubs, we’re giving our members and communities a way to come together in gratitude and unity.”
The event will be open to all fitness levels, and participants can choose their level of involvement, whether they climb a single flight of stairs or complete the full 110-story challenge. Fitness Ventures encourages all participants to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #CrunchStairChallenge to foster a sense of unity and remembrance across the nation.
