The Bisbee 1,000 Great Stair Climb

Boot Camp and kettlebells may be the hottest things in the fitness world right now, but for a great work out in a carnival atmosphere, nothing beats the annual Bisbee 1000 Great Stair Climb.

Held every year since 1990 on the third Saturday of October, this event combines fitness with fundraising. Sponsored by Save Our Stairs, the event was started in order to raise money to restore and maintain the many concrete stairways that link the streets and lead to the homes of this picturesque mining town. The stairs were originally built by the WPA during the Great Depression and follow the paths used by the pack mules during Bisbee's copper mining heyday in the early 1900's, but time and weather have taken their toll on many stairways turning some into safety hazards.

As colorful as the town of Bisbee itself is, it has nothing on the folks who gather every year for this event. Some stair climbing teams come in costume; tee shirts with wide ranging political and social statements are well represented and so is attention-grabbing headgear ranging from tiaras to beer hats.

While most participants are just there for a morning of convivial group exercise, there are some serious runners who participate. In fact, Runners World has picked The Great Stair Climb as it's October 2009 featured event.

The course for the Stair Climb starts in front of the courthouse at the base of the Iron Man statue and winds through the town incorporating nine multi-tiered stairways named for the areas of town in which they reside, such as Bandshell, Quality, and Opera. There are a total of 1035 steps, hence the name The Bisbee 1000. This may sound daunting, but there is so much going on in and along the course that you don't really think about how much exertion you are putting out. All sorts of musicians have venues along the route: drummers, harpists, rock bands, folk and blues artists. Residents who live in the houses along the stairs pass out water and encouragement to the climbers, both of which are particularly welcome after having climbed the first five staircases.

And, if the stair climb has just got you warmed up, you can participate in the Ice Man Competition! Participants run up a set of 155 stairs carrying a 10lb. block of ice in a set of antique metal ice tongs. Contestants in both the male and female categories race the clock for cash prizes of $100.00, $75.00, and $50.00. There is also a $50.00 prize for the oldest participant.

To find out more about The Bisbee 1000 Great Stair Climb and see pictures and videos of past events, visit their highly amusing, interactive web site at: http://www.bisbee1000.org/index.htm.