Bisbee 1000:
The Great Stairclimb
In 1989, The New York Times printed a story with a chart highlighting the tremendous growth and the multi-millions of dollars Americans were spending to exercise in gyms and at home on the newly introduced stair-climbing machines. In a moment of luck and inspiration, Bisbee resident Cynthia Conroy read the article and a little voice said "Bisbee has stairs! Let's design our own outdoor Stairmaster!"
Incorporated in 1990, Cynthia founded the non-profit, Bisbee Vogue, Inc. (formerly Save our Stairs) to host the event. For more than 30 years, Bisbee Vogue produced the event to encourage fitness and recreation, and to inject the local economy with tourism funding.
In 2023, BVI sold the event to founding sponsor Wick Communications, who recognized that the Bisbee 1000 infrastructure "aligns with what our company is about,” according to Wick Communications CEO Francis Wick.
Use the button below to be redirected to the official event website where you can explore and register!
About
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 USA. The 4.4-mile course features nine staircases (over 1000 total stairs) connected by winding roads. While enjoying the challenge, runners and walkers alike see some of the most scenic parts of Bisbee.
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.
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.
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!
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