KU ROTC will host 2026 KU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Cadets run up the steps at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as part of the 9/11 Memorial Run at KU.

KU cadets run up the steps at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as part of the 2025 KU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Credit: KU Naval ROTC

Thu, 08/27/2026

Capt. Dakota Newsome

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Reserve Officer Training Corps programs will host the 2026 KU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Sept. 11 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to honor and remember the courage and sacrifice of the firefighters, first responders and service members who responded on Sept. 11, 2001.

Trio of 9/11 stair climb participants stand in front of goalposts inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. — Participants assemble for the 2025 KU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

KU ROTC members representing the Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force will participate alongside local first responders, veterans and active-duty service members. Participants will climb 2,071 stadium stairs, symbolizing the climb made by first responders inside the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Participants will enter the stadium through Gate 6 beginning at 5 a.m., with the memorial stair climb starting at 5:30 a.m. The event will conclude at approximately 6:54 a.m.

The annual event provides members of the KU and surrounding communities an opportunity to come together in remembrance of those who lost their lives and to recognize the courage, service and sacrifice demonstrated by first responders on Sept. 11, 2001.

Participation is open to first responders, ROTC members, veterans and active-duty service members. Registration is required prior to the event.

Media are welcome to attend.

For more information, registration coordination or media inquiries, contact Capt. Dakota Newsome, Marine Officer Instructor with KU Naval ROTC, at 785-864-1194 or nrotcmoi@ku.edu.