It’s challenging enough just working out on a StairMaster for more than an hour.
But can you imagine how difficult it would be if you threw on about 45 pounds of a typical firefighter’s outfit and attempted to simulate the 1,368 feet of climb to the top of the original World Trade Center towers?
If you want some first-hand knowledge of just such a quest, check in with Falls Township’s Allie Rago, who completed the ascent on Sept. 11, 2024 to commemorate what took place 23 years before.
The 25-year-old Rago has been a volunteer at Levittown Fire Company #1 for better than 10 years. Before that, she would accompany her dad, John, a veteran firefighter to the firehouse since she barely started walking.
“I went to the firehouse with him pretty much all the time,” she said in a telephone interview. “I was around all of them (firefighters) since I was two or three.”
Rago said it took just over an hour to finish the climb and it was worth the effort.
She loves to volunteer. For years, she’s helped out with the Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic, which will be held this year (its 25th anniversary) on Sunday, May 18 at Sesame Place. In fact, the race has left such an impression on her that she’s going to give it a try herself this year.
It will be her first 5K but she says she’s ready.
“I’ve been into fitness for almost the last two years,” she said, “going to the gym a lot. A lot of my friends there encouraged me to get into the race.
“Seeing people do it, I’ve always wanted to run it but I wasn’t sure until this year.”
A special education teacher, Rago has always had that desire to help others.
“I’ve always volunteered throughout my life, I volunteered for the fire company, because I wanted to help out,” she said.
As a Class B member, Rago stays busy around the firehouse, cleaning trucks, helping out with catering events, etc.
A graduate of Bucks County Technical School and Holy Family University, Rago has great admiration for firefighters like her dad, who risk their well-being whenever the alarm bells ring.
And even though she was only an infant when the 9/11/2001 tragedy took place, it still resonates with her whenever that day rolls around each year.
She said she didn’t do any special training as far as running goes (she did increase her weightlifting program) for the effort on the StairMaster. Hadn’t even tested out the firefighter gear.
“Nope,” she said. “Just put it on and went.”
That same sort of spirit factors into why she chose to work in special education.
“It’s supporting kids that are in learning support,” she said. “Kids who need extra help with their academics.”
Does she have a target time for the Sesame Place Classic.
“Whenever I finish it,” she said. “I’m not really aiming for a time.”
Proceeds from the Sesame Place Classic go to the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance for college-bound seniors from 18 Bucks County high schools.
“I thought about it,” Rago said. “It’s for a good cause because it helps kids with their academic careers.”
To register for the 5K, one mile and kids’ sprint, visit www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com.
>Race calendar
Saturday, April 26
Run, Walk, Roll for Brain Injury 5K, 10 a.m., Richboro. Contact www.biapa.com
Sunday, April 27
Bookin’ for Lookin’ 5K (Bucks 5K Series), 8:30 a.m., Newtown. Contact www.bookinforlookin.com
