Events
Step Up Stair Climb
Place
Norfolk, VA US 23510
Description
About the Event
Step Up & Step Out is more than a race—it’s a movement. Join us for The Up Center’s annual fundraising event as we climb, run, and walk together to strengthen families, protect children, and empower individuals across Hampton Roads. Whether you’re taking on the stair climb challenge inside Harbor Park or hitting the course for the 5K run/walk, you’ll be part of something bigger: hope, healing, and community.
Event Highlights
- Two Events, One Cause: Choose between the stair climb challenge or the 5K run/walk.
- Family-Friendly: Runners, walkers, strollers, and all fitness levels welcome.
- Community Impact: Every step you take helps The Up Center provide life-changing services—from foster care and adoption to mental health counseling, housing support, and youth mentoring.
- Harbor Park Experience: Enjoy a unique race day setting with scenic views of the Elizabeth River and the excitement of Harbor Park.
- Celebrate Together: Post-race celebration with music, refreshments, and recognition of top fundraisers and finishers.
Why We Step Up
For more than 140 years, The Up Center has been the place our community turns to in times of need. By registering, fundraising, or sponsoring, you help provide critical resources that keep children safe, families strong, and individuals moving forward.
How to Get Involved
- Register: Sign up as an individual or form a team with friends, coworkers, or family.
- Fundraise: Use your personal fundraising page to make an even bigger impact.
- Sponsor or Volunteer: Local businesses and community members are invited to partner with us.
Step up. Step out. Make a difference.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our 2025 Step Up & Step Out Sponsors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Race Packet Pickup
Where do I pick it up?
TBD - Check back closer to race day!
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
o Yes, just have the name they registered under when you are picking up the packets.
Can I get my race packet the morning of the Climb/Walk/Run?
o Yes, we will have race-day packet pickup, but we strongly recommend participants
Registration, Discounts and Refunds
Are there discounts for youth?
o Yes, youth receive ½ price discounts.
How can I make changes to my registration?
o Contact development@theupcenter.org
What are the age requirements or limits for participation?
o For the walk/run on the Elizabeth River Trail there are no age limits. Participation for the climb is restricted to ages 5+. All participants who are minors must be accompanied by an Adult.
Can I sign up a whole team, like my child’s swim or t-ball team?
o Yes. There is a team sign-up option.
Can I do both the climb and the walk/run?
o You must select one event at registration, which will be the event you will be timed. After completion of the event, if time allows you are welcome to climb the stadium stairs or walk the ERT at your leisure.
Will I get a refund if I do not show up or if the event is cancelled?
o All sales final. The event is rain or shine. If there is a cancellation, email communication will be distributed with guidance. Email development if you are unable to make it to coordinate pickup of your race materials.
If it rains, what happens?
o The show goes on!
What if I arrive after the race has started?
o You will still be able to participate in the race, upon a late arrival, please find a race volunteer (lime green volunteer shirts), to check you in prior to participation so your time can be recorded. Late starts will not be eligible for age group prizes.
Event logistics
Where do I park?
o Parking is available at Harbor Park. Look for signs for event parking as well as for a drop off area.
Are baby joggers and strollers allowed on the Walk/Run?
o Yes, baby joggers/strollers are welcome on the walk/run. We ask that participants who are pushing a jogger/stroller to please queue up near the end of the walk/run corral in consideration of other race participants.
Is there a bag check area?
o No, we will not have a bag check area for this event.
Will results be posted?
o The results will be posted in Run Signup.
Is there an award ceremony and what is the time?
o Yes, join us in the courtyard at noon.
Will there be a medic on site?
o Yes, we will have an EMT in Harbor Park for the stair climb, and along the Elizabeth River Trail for the walk/run.
