American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

What is Fight for Air Climb?

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the American Lung Association. They usually happen in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps. Sometimes called a "vertical road race", teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, with you challenging yourself or you racing against other people, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends.  We know a lot about lung disease, but there is so much we don't know. Your participation will raise the funds necessary to provide life saving education, research and advocacy so we can beat lung disease and soon find a cure.

Is There a Team Registration and/or Participant Fee?

There is no fee to register a team, but each person registering for the Climb is required to pay a fee to participate. 

How Do I Sign Up?

Visit the "Sign Up" section on the main page and select the option that is most appropriate to you.  To find step by step instruction guides, click here.

Is There a Fundraising Minimum?

Yes, $100.  But don't worry, it's easier than you think to raise $100.  Ask 10 friends for $10 or start by sponsoring yourself $25, then getting 3 other sponsors for $25.  Coaching packets and trainings are available.  Please contact our office at 213-384-5864 for more details or click here to be taken to the Fundraising Tips page.

What Happens If I Don't Reach My $100 Minimum?

If you have not raised your $100 minimum by the day of the Climb, we will ask you if you are prepared to pay the difference.  If not, your credit card information will be collected and you will have until May 30th to fundraise the remaining amount, or your credit card will be charged.  Please bring a valid credit card with you to the day of the event so that we may take down your information.

How Do My Donations Help?

With the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association in California saves lives by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air.  Today, our fight is more important than ever.  Eighty-one cents of every dollar raised by our organization goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

Where Do I Send My Donations? 

You can send your donations to:

Click here for a pledge form to make your donation collection process easy.

What is a Team Captain?

Being a team captain is easy.  Captains gather together a few friends or family members and encourage them to participate in the event together.  Each team captain helps to coordinate the online registration of these friends as well as setting a goal for the team overall.  Team Captains should encourage their participants to personalize their fundraising pages, send e-mails to other friends and family, hit their overall goals, show up to the event and have a great time.  Some team captains organize gatherings before or after the climb for their team members, but this is not required.  Sometimes the team captain serves as a representative at the annual event kickoff luncheon.  In short, we need help to rally the troops and the best people for the job are always our team captains. 

How Long is the Climb? 

The AON Center is the 2nd tallest building in Los Angeles, standing 858 feet.  63 stories (finishing on the roof) or 1,377 steps.  If you can walk a 5k, you can complete this climb.

Do I Have to Walk Back Down the Stairs Once I Get to the Top?

No, you will take a relaxing ride back down the elevator.

How Much Time Will I Have at the Top to Enjoy the View?

You will have only a minute or so to enjoy the view from the top before you are asked to head down to the after party.  With close to 1,000 people expected in 2011, we want to ensure the safety of each participant, as well as follow the rules of the fire department and control the amount of people on the roof.  You will be able to continue enjoying the view from the 59th floor, where the after party takes place.  It is just 4 floors below the finish line.

What Time Should I Be There?

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.  First wave of climbers start at 9:00 a.m. We ask that you arrive 45 minutes before your wave time.  This gives you time to check your gear, warm up and find your team.  Start times will be assigned the Thursday prior to the event and will be posted online as well as emailed to you.  An email will go out that day to participants with a direct link to start times.  Each participant will also be assigned a "wave number" along with their start time.  It is important to remember both your start time and wave.  Teams will receive the same start time and wave number.

Event Information and Directions

Where Should I Park?

Parking is available for $5 at 637 Wilshire Blvd.  Entrance to the garage is between Hope St. and S. Grand Ave.  Payment method is cash only. 

What Do I Bring With Me on the Day of the Event?

Please bring a valid credit card and ID.  Credit card information will be taken if you have not reached your $100 fundraising minimum.  Please bring any fundraising dollars you have collected and not yet turned in.  Please bring a roster of your team members if you are the captain as well as how much each person raised if not already online.  You may wish to bring a bottle of water and wear sunscreen depending on the conditions for the day, but most importantly, please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy!

Is There a Gear Check for Items I Don't Want to Climb With?

Yes.  You may check in your personal belongings you don't want to carry up with you on the Climb.  In the interest of time and organization, please bring only necessary items with you to the Climb to keep our gear check as minimal as possible.  With an expected 1,000 people we want to be mindful of your belongings and of your time. 

Are Water Bottles Allowed While Climbing?

No.  Due to safety concerns, water bottles are not allowed in the building while you climb.  Water stations are available for you every 10 floors as well as the top and bottom of each tower.

Where Do I Get My Timing Chip?

Timing chips are given out the day of the Climb in the registration area.  The chips are disposable so feel free to keep them as a token from the event, or throw away.  Beat the rush: pick up your bib/chip early at 1 of our 2 locations:

• Wednesday, April 27th - 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the AON Center
• Thursday, April 28th - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fleet Feet Sports 16545 Ventura Blvd. in Encino 

Will My Team Be Climbing Together?

All climbers are given start times based on their 2010 finishing time and the climb option you/your team has chosen during registration (recreational or competitive climber).  Each participant will also be assigned a "wave number" along with their start time.  It is important to remember both your start time and wave.  Teams will receive the same start time and wave number.  Elite climbers will go first, Firefighters will go in the last wave time.

Are pets allowed?

No