Three Million Stair Challenge begins June 1

Councilmember Doris McConnell
climbs the stairs in the 2013 challenge
Photo by Keith McGlashan

The City of Shoreline is laying down its toughest challenge yet, inviting community members to climb the stairs at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park with the collective goal of reaching three million stairs during the month of June.

The park is home to a bank of 188 stairs that rise over 85ft. of elevation gain. In 2012, Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal set the first Stair Challenge at one million stairs hoping to encourage more use of the park and its very large set of stairs. Since then the Shoreline community has continued to climb more and more stairs inspiring each other and raising the bar for future challenges.

One particular resident, Kinin Taylor, was so inspired by the challenge that she decided to set on a quest to climb her own million stairs this past year. She started her journey to a million every morning after long shift working nights as a nurse.

The idea of completing one million steps seemed impossible, but she continued to set small goals celebrating each along the way. After a year of climbing she completed her goal in April of this year. Kinin is still climbing the stairs and will be competing in the challenge again this year setting a new goal for herself. She attributes her success to staying consistent in her routine and encourages other climbers to find ways to make their routine fun.

The Three Million Stair Challenge starts on June 1st this year and runs through the end of the month.  The community is invited to come to an opening kick-off event on Sunday, June 1st at 10:00 a.m. Fitness sponsor Run 2 Be Fit will be on site presenting some fun challenges and prizes.

More details on the Three Million Stair Challenge, including prizes and more instructions can be found on the website shorelinewa.gov/stairs or by contacting Recreation Coordinator Courtney Brown 206-801-2635.