Honoring Courage Through Action: Markon’s 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge

Each September, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to reflect on the enduring courage and dedication of the first responders who climbed the Twin Towers to help others find safety. At Markon, we believe remembrance is not passive. It’s active. This year, our team honored that legacy by climbing—step by step—toward something meaningful.

From 6–13 September 2025, teammates across the country took part in Markon’s second annual 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge, completing 110 flights of stairs in remembrance of the fallen. The number mirrors the height of the World Trade Center towers and honors the extraordinary bravery of those who ascended without hesitation on that fateful day.

A Nationwide Tribute, One Step at a Time

Markon’s challenge wasn’t limited to a single staircase or city. Instead, it invited all teammates and their families to participate wherever they were: neighborhood stairwells, local gyms, hiking trails, or even through alternative, symbolic acts of remembrance.

Submissions reflected a range of physical effort and heartfelt reflection. Some teammates ran, others hiked, or took part in weightlifting routines inspired by the number 110. Some paused for moments of reflection with family. All were united in purpose.

“I drastically underestimated how difficult this would be–but that’s the point,” shared Brendan Oxford, who completed the climb on a gym stair machine. “It gave me a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of the first responders. It wasn’t just symbolic, it was humbling.”

“It was an honor to remember those who sacrificed so much,” added Carlos Gonzalez, who completed a custom workout involving deadlifts, pull-ups, and a max-incline treadmill climb. “Every movement carried intention.”

Participants who submitted a photo of their activity received a pair of limited-edition patriotic Markon socks—a small but meaningful keepsake for a powerful shared experience. Below are a few of the submissions. 

More Than a Challenge–A Moment of Unity

As a federal consulting firm supporting critical government missions, Markon understands the importance of service, sacrifice, and shared values. The 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge reflects our dedication to those principles and offers a tangible way for our team to connect with the meaning behind our work to advance federal missions and safeguard national security.

“I really enjoyed this challenge, and I will continue doing it each year,” shared Lorraine Vatikiotis, who climbed 113 floors on the stair master. “It’s a beautiful way to honor those we lost.”

Dedicated to What Matters

At Markon, we’re committed to building a culture that reflects our core values: performance-oriented, resilient, and deeply dedicated. Challenges like this are more than wellness initiatives; they’re moments that unify our team across time zones and job titles. They reinforce what we stand for: honoring the past, serving in the present, and preparing for the future.

To the teammates who climbed, hiked, ran, or simply paused for reflection–thank you. You remind us that action, when done with purpose, becomes something far more powerful.

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