—BISBEE 1000—
THE GREAT STAIR CLIMB
SPONSORS
Annual Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb
The most unique physical fitness challenge (or friendly fitness walk) in the USA! Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb 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. 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 Bisbee! Online registration only, at Bisbee1000.org. Do It For Your Heart!
Our Mission: To create, promote and support initiatives that enhance the economic vitality, health and wellness of citizens in Southern Arizona.
Location: Bisbee 1000 Start/Finish:
201 Tombstone Canyon Road,
Bisbee, AZ 85603
Email: bisbee1000info@gmail.com
Website: https://www.bisbee1000.org
Phone: (520) 255-6996 (Mark Spirz),
(520) 515-4605 (Jennifer Sorenson)
-BISBEE 1000 OFFICIAL EVENT RULES-
Event will be held rain or shine
T-shirts will not be mailed
No dogs/pets (Service dogs—and their people—must go to very back of start)
No smoking/vaping
No strollers
Do not block roads or driveways
No participant substitutions or refunds
Must pick up own Bib in person
May not pick up anyone else’s Bib/Number
Must have Race Bibs/Numbers to Participate
Must Pin Bib on Front
Bibs are not transferable
Keep right on the stairways; pass on the left
You (or a representative) must be present at Awards Ceremony to collect hand-painted one-of-a-kind award.
(Awards will not be mailed)
New Fitness Court!
RECREATION = Re–Creation
Experience The Extra-Ordinary Fitness Court at the Finish Line!
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.