American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ 2011

How do my donations help?

With the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago 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 can I send my donations?

You can send your donations to:

American Lung Association in Greater Chicago
Attn: Fight for Air Climb at Presidential Towers
55 W. Wacker Dr. Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60601

Checks should be made payable to the AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION. Click HERE to download and print a pledge form to make your donation collection process easy.

 What is the 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. 

What time should I be there?

We ask that participants arrive 30 minutes prior to their start 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. 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.

Will there be a packet pick-up? 

Yes, there will be a packet pick-up prior to the event this year.

Friday, March 25th 4-7pm
American Lung Association in Greater Chicago
55 W. Wacker Dr. Suite 800
Chicago, Il 60601 

Saturday, March 26th 1-4pm
Presidential Towers (entrance off of Clinton)
555 W. Madison
Chicago, IL 60661

Please note that all fundraising must be raised and turned in by pick up. Each individual must pick up his/her own packet. A photo ID is required. All participants will receive a technical tshirt, goody bag and bib. Timing chips will be given out at Tower 1 prior to climbing on event day.

If you are unable to attend packet pick-up, you can pick up your packet on event day at the registration table.  

Where should I park?

Parking is available at Presidential Towers for a discounted rate. There are also additional parking garages and limited meter spots around the towers. Public transportation is recommended.
www.metrarail.com 
www.transitchicago.com 

What is the address for Presidential Towers?

The Presidential Towers are located at 555 W Madison Ave, Chicago, IL 60661. The entrance to the event will be located off of Madison Ave & Clinton.

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. In short, we need help to rally the troops and the best people for the job are always our team captains.

How tall are the buildings?

Each tower is 45 floors, 585 feet. If you climb all 4 towers, that's a total of 180 floors and 2,340 steps, being the Greatest Urban Stairclimb! 

How do I train for the Climb and is there a Boot Camp?

We are excited to introduce the Fight for Air Boot Camp! Whether you are just starting a fitness plan or tackling the tower to set a new personal record, the Fight for Air Boot Camp will help you reach your goals. Training will include a variety of activities including practice climbs in the Presidential Tower stairwells.

Boot Camp sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:00 am on March 5th, March 12th and March 19th.
 
To be eligible for Boot Camp, you must individually raise a total of: $150 by session one, $250 by session two and $350 by session three.
Each Boot Camp participant will receive a FREE Climber in Training Shirt for participating!

RSVP for Boot Camp by clicking HERE.

Click HERE to view the CLIMB Fitness Guide for training tips, exercises and stretches to prepare for the Climb.

Where can I find race results from 2010 and where will the race results be posted after the 2011 event?

To view race results from 2010, you can view the text report or the searchable results. You may also visit TheRacersHub.com. Finish times will be posted on the home page of the Climb site within 24-48 hours of the event, or as soon as possible.

What do I bring with me on the day of the event?

Please bring any fundraising dollars you have collected and not yet turned in.  You will want to dress appropriately for the event (workout clothes, running shoes, etc.). Gear check will be available, but please do not bring items of value, as the American Lung Association is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Most importantly, please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy!  

Are water bottles allowed in the towers?

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

What do participants receive for participating in the event?

In addition to the achievement of climbing to the top of these towers, all participants will receive a finisher's medal, an technical event t-shirt and goody bag. There will be music to enjoy and sponsors to visit on event day. 

Where do I get my timing chip?

Timing Chips are given out at Tower 1. You must match  your bib number to your timing chip. Once you have completed your climb at your final tower, a volunteer will remove your timing chip from your shoe. For example: If you plan to climb only Tower 1, make sure to have your timing chip removed AT THE TOP of Tower 1. If you do not remove the chip, your time may unnecessarily time in again once you reach the main floor of the event.

What does "full gear" mean to the Fire Department Challenge?

To compete in the Team Fire Department Challenge or the Individual Fire Department Challenge, you and your team are expected to wear official firefighter gear: helmet, mask, suit, boots, tank. Everything except for the ax.

How do I sign up?

You can register online or you can call our Special Events Staff and register over the phone during normal business hours at 312-781-1100. 

Is there an after-party?

Yes, there is an after-party.

The American Lung Association Auxiliary Boardis happy to present the first annual Climb After-Party at Dylans Tavern and Grill, just one block from Presidential Towers. All climbers and their guests are invited to celebrate starting at 10:30am after the Climb. Food and drink specials will be offered to climbers, who present their bibs, and their guests. Specials include:

• $2 Domestic Drafts (Miller Lite and Bud Lite)
• $2 PBR Cans
• $3 Shiner Block
• $4 Well Drinks
• $5 Burgers and Grilled Chicken Sandwiches (ala cart)