MARSHALL — The Marshall Area YMCA has plans to reach new heights on Monday one step at a time.

The YMCA organizing a day-long stair climb in observance of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The goal is to climb at least 1,980 steps, the total climbed by New York City firefighters in the 110-story World Trade Center.

Donations for the event will go to the Marshall Fire Department. YMCA staff said the idea took shape after several staff members climbed steps on their own last year.

“It’s something that’s been done at other YMCAs,” said Marshall Area YMCA Director of Healthy Lifestyles and Community Engagement Heather Radke.”We thought it would be a good community event. We’re inviting everyone to participate.”

The climb will take place on the YMCA’s stair step machines, which will be moved into the front lobby. It is open to both members and non-members.

Each participant can climb just one set of steps or climb as many as the full 110 flights ascended by firefighters who wore almost 100 pounds of equipment.

The event will continue throughout the day on Monday. Radke said the fire department plans to have equipment on display, and that they’re considering ways to invest the event proceeds.

YMCA Membership Director Katie Serbus said the stair climb has gotten a good initial response, with some YMCA members already saying they plan to participate.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout, one that will at least allow us to reach our goal,” she said. “We’re doing all we can to market it. It’s a way to observe the 9/11 anniversary and to raise money for the community.”

She added that the stair climb is likely to become an annual event, one that will help to ensure that historic 9/11 events will always be remembered.

“We’d like to make it something we do every year,” Serbus said. “It’s one of the most important events in history. People think about it every September.”