Read the full article on KETV 7
Over 600 people started their Saturday off by climbing 40 flights of steps to the top of the First National Bank of Omaha for the 20th and final “Trek Up the Tower.”The event started as a fundraiser for the Wellness Council of the Midlands, functioning as a way to build corporate wellness and camaraderie.It was later taken over by The Wellbeing Partners, and now, a representative with the organization says they’re pivoting towards other community events that better reflect their mission.For climbers like Jeff Hageman, it became a tradition they couldn’t miss.”I was asked by one of our H.R. Representatives to be part of a new event here in town, and I didn’t know what it was, but the trek up the tower, and I’ve been doing it, participating all 20 years. And then also part of the leadership committee putting on this fabulous event,” said Hageman. Climber Jeff Hageman says the trek is something most people can accomplish — one trip up the tower is about a tenth of a mile — but that doesn’t make it easy.”I just turned my brain off and just keep going. It doesn’t matter. Your mind says go. Your body says no, but you just keep going,” said Hageman. Climber John Davison calls it a great challenge that’s more approachable than a marathon.”Every year I get to about the 30th floor, and I’m like, ‘What am I doing?’ And then I get to the 38th floor, and it’s like, ‘OK, this is fun,'” said Davison.Davison chooses to bring some fun to the journey: For the past few years, he’s completed the climb wearing a kilt. “I’m a hairstylist, and it’s comfortable to wear at work. And I started wearing them for Trek probably three or four years ago, and it’s comfortable, and people like the vibe, so, yeah, that’s me,” said Davison. He says seeing the climb come to an end is bittersweet.”I’ve enjoyed this every year that I’ve done it. I’m hoping there is maybe a new event coming up in the future that they’re planning. They’ve got a new building going up. Maybe, I don’t know,” said Davison. Sally Christensen with FNBO says watching participants gives her motivation to take the stairs a little more day-to-day, and she hopes the community does the same. “I think people of all levels can get involved. And whether you’re taking one floor or 40, anything is a good step in the right direction,” said Christensen.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google Search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
Over 600 people started their Saturday off by climbing 40 flights of steps to the top of the First National Bank of Omaha for the 20th and final “Trek Up the Tower.”
The event started as a fundraiser for the Wellness Council of the Midlands, functioning as a way to build corporate wellness and camaraderie.
Advertisement
It was later taken over by The Wellbeing Partners, and now, a representative with the organization says they’re pivoting towards other community events that better reflect their mission.
For climbers like Jeff Hageman, it became a tradition they couldn’t miss.
“I was asked by one of our H.R. Representatives to be part of a new event here in town, and I didn’t know what it was, but the trek up the tower, and I’ve been doing it, participating all 20 years. And then also part of the leadership committee putting on this fabulous event,” said Hageman.
Climber Jeff Hageman says the trek is something most people can accomplish — one trip up the tower is about a tenth of a mile — but that doesn’t make it easy.
“I just turned my brain off and just keep going. It doesn’t matter. Your mind says go. Your body says no, but you just keep going,” said Hageman.
Climber John Davison calls it a great challenge that’s more approachable than a marathon.
“Every year I get to about the 30th floor, and I’m like, ‘What am I doing?’ And then I get to the 38th floor, and it’s like, ‘OK, this is fun,'” said Davison.
Davison chooses to bring some fun to the journey: For the past few years, he’s completed the climb wearing a kilt.
“I’m a hairstylist, and it’s comfortable to wear at work. And I started wearing them for Trek probably three or four years ago, and it’s comfortable, and people like the vibe, so, yeah, that’s me,” said Davison.
He says seeing the climb come to an end is bittersweet.
“I’ve enjoyed this every year that I’ve done it. I’m hoping there is maybe a new event coming up in the future that they’re planning. They’ve got a new building going up. Maybe, I don’t know,” said Davison.
Sally Christensen with FNBO says watching participants gives her motivation to take the stairs a little more day-to-day, and she hopes the community does the same.
“I think people of all levels can get involved. And whether you’re taking one floor or 40, anything is a good step in the right direction,” said Christensen.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google Search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
