From Thursday through Saturday, the Northeast Regional Classic Firefighter Challenge will return to Erie for the first time in 20 years. Hosted by Snap-tite Hose and the city of Erie, the event will take place in Perry Square and is free for spectators. Firefighters from 98 departments across 34 states, Canada, and Germany will travel to Erie to compete.
During the event, which ESPN has named “the toughest two minutes in sports,” participants will demonstrate their skills in a demanding obstacle-course format, completing tasks such as a stair tower climb (carrying a 42-pound hose pack), a hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and victim rescue.
Competition will begin on Thursday at 8 a.m. with qualifying rounds in the Individual Category. Afterwards, the Region Title Awards Ceremony will take place, ending at 5 p.m.
The opening ceremony will take place on Friday at 8 a.m., followed by the beginning of the competition at 8:30 a.m. Events will follow a rolling schedule, starting after the previous event has concluded. Friday’s lineup will include the Tandem Team category, followed by exhibition team rounds, the Relay category and seeding rounds. Awards for the Tandem and Relay categories will be presented immediately after the competition.
Saturday at 8:30 a.m. marks the Individual Category Overall Event Title Championship Finale, wrapping up the competition. The final awards ceremony will follow, and the event will conclude at 12 p.m. Additionally, the Northeast Classic will be a qualifying event for the U.S. National Championship in September of this year.
“Snap-tite Hose and the committee that they put together has done an exceptional job planning this event,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “We are appreciative to play a small role in what will be a world-class event highlighting the exceptional talents of firefighters from around the world.”
