
About The Bisbee 1000
The most unique physical fitness challenge (or friendly fitness walk) in the USA! Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb is the only outdoor stair climb in the U.S. and is arguably one of the most unusual and challenging events in the world. The 4.5-mile course features nine staircases (over 1000 total steps) connected by winding roads, with a total course elevation gain/loss of ~1175 ft. While enjoying the challenge, runners and walkers alike see some of the most scenic parts of Old Bisbee. Take a delightful journey up the stairs and down the roadways in Europeanesque Old Bisbee!

History of the Bisbee 1000
Unique to Bisbee is a system of old and deteriorating stairways that course through its picturesque hills, affording views of the town's quaint houses and colorful gardens. The stairways originally followed the mule paths worn into the terrain during the heyday of Bisbee's copper mining past. To put men back to work during the Great Depression, the Work Projects Administration (WPA) had overseen building of the stairs over those same pathways.
The first Bisbee 1000 was held in October 1990 and by virtue of word of mouth alone, it drew 200 people. Each year the event grew at a rate that took everyone by surprise, and was eventually limited to 1,500 participants. In 2012, the Bisbee was officially designated as an Arizona Centennial Event, joining the other featured listings in the Arizona Highways Centennial Edition. In that same year, the Bisbee 1000 received the prestigious Governor’s Tourism Award for Special Events in a Rural Area.
As challenging as the course is, the Bisbee 1000 attracts a most diverse group of participants, from children age 7 up to adults in their 80s, and people of many fitness and ability levels. Some are serious competitors out for a win, some for a brisk jaunt, and still others simply want to stroll and enjoy the spectacular views. Many dress in outrageous or silly costumes; we even have some firefighters compete in full firefighting turnout gear (despite temperatures that often hit 80+ degrees F). Although the Bisbee 1000 is its own cause célèbre, it has also been the setting for family reunions, school reunions, company team competitions, birthdays, and—on at least one occasion that we know of—a wedding proposal.
If the Europeanesque charm of Bisbee is not enough to draw you to the event, then add the dedicated efforts of the City staff, police, fire departments, musicians, and citizens cheering you on your way up and down and all around our mile high city. The Bisbee 1000 is not just any race; think of it as a garden tour, a home tour, a musical extravaganza, a costume ball, one heck of a party, and a celebration of the community spirit. We hope you will join us.
Maps
Arizona Governor's Awards


Board Members
- Cynthia Conroy - President, Founder & Executive Committee
- Laura Hughes - VP, Secretary & Executive Committee
- David Russell - Treasurer & Executive Committee
- Deborah Young - Board Member
- Stephanie Peavey - Board Member
- Lisa Holland - Board Member
- Ben Simons - Board Member
- Maille Johnson - Board Member
- Corey McNair - Board Member

Schedule
31st Annual Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb
SATURDAY OCTOBER 15, 2022
7-8:45am |
BIB NUMBER PICKUP Relocated pickup now at St. Patrick's parking lot (follow the signs). Registrants must pick up their own packet in person. Be an early bird and arrive by 7 am for easy parking and short lines. Breakfast available: St. Patrick's Parish Church Hall (6:00 am start) near registration pickup. |
7-11am | Shop the Bisbee 1000 Souvenir Store at Higgins Hill Park, the official finish line venue (see maps). |
8-8:30am | Red Carpet Parade of costumes and a contest with prizes, MC'd by Magic Kenny BangBang. Meet at Contessa's Canopy beside the Bisbee 1000 start. |
8:50am | St. Patrick Bell Ringing Call To Action Bells will ring 30 times in honor of 30th Annual Bisbee 1000. |
8:50am | CALL TO CORRALS Must be in numbered corrals by 8:55am. |
9am | BISBEE 1000 EVENT START Staggered Wave Starts (1 min.). The event is chip timed. Results based on your personal net time, not on horn time! (i.e. when you cross the electronic sensor mat). First wave released with horn start at 9am. |
9:30 - 11am | ATTENTION! Spectators move to Higgins Hill Park. STAY OFF COURSE. Follow maps, signs, and guides. Follow flags and yellow tape at church. |
11am- Noon | AWARDS CEREMONY at Higgins Hill Park venue (see Spectator Map for correct route for friends and family). Overall and Age Group awards, Special Awards and many great prizes in many categories. Music to be provided by Kurt Hauser Band. |
2- 6pm | 10th ANNUAL BISBEE 1000 CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL at St. Patrick's Park Lot. $30 for General Admission or $20 for Bisbee 1000 registrants (with bib). Beer, food, and music! |


Lodging
If you find yourself exploring Europeanesque Bisbee throughout the year---maybe coming to climb some stairs!---try Bisbee Vogue, Inc.'s very well appointed non-profit lodging: Bisbee Ironman Suite. Call 520-266-0401 to check availability. Come for Bisbee's many stairs; quiet morning meanderings; its history and architecture; Bisbee Outdoor Recreation Center; healthy opportunities; culinary offerings; eclectic shopping, and groove on its lively music and arts scene day and night. Check out these two websites: www.amerind.org and www.letsonlofthotel.com.

Finish Results

Contact Us

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bisbee1000info@gmail.com
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PO Box 1099 Bisbee, AZ 85603
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(520) 266-0401