American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

For Additional Climber FAQ - click HERE

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.  Stairclimbs are great cross training events for athletes who cannot train outdoors in the winter.  Novice and expert athletes of all ages are welcome to climb. 

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 are the Registration Fees and Fundraising Requirements?

Please see the Event Information page for details on current registration fees.  All participants are required to raise a minimum of $100 in addition to their registration fee by the morning of the climb in order to participate.

How do I sign up?

You can register online as part of a team by clicking here or you can register online as an individual by clicking here or you call our office and register over the phone during normal business hours at (614) 279-1700.  For special instructions, click here.

What time should I be there?

Please refer to the Climber Specific FAQ page for specifics on check-in times.

Where should I park?

Parking is conveniently located in the underground State House parking garage or along the streets with metered parking.  Please note that metered parking is NOT FREE on Saturdays, so be prepared.  If you choose to park in the Statehouse parking garage, there is a walk-way from the garage into the basement level of the Rhodes Tower with a convenient escalator up one floor to the lobby and registration area.

For a map and directions, please refer to the Directions page for specifics.

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.  Captains can be for Corporate Teams, Family/Friend Teams and/or First Responder Teams.  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 team representative at pre and post climb events.  In short, we need help to rally the troops and the best people for the job are always our team captains.

Click Here for Additional Team Captain Resources. 

If being a team captain interests you, click here to Start a Team

What is a team vs. individual climber?

Teams are groups of four or more climbers that want to participate together.  They increase awareness and make fundraising and training easier and more effective, plus they have more fun!  Each member is responsible for his/her own individual registration fee (there are no team registration fees) and his/her own $100 fundraising minimum.

Individual climbers can be anyone interested in supporting the ALA, fighting lung disease or seeking a new challenge.  You will register, fundraise and climb on your own, but you always have the option of starting your own team later.

Will my team be climbing together?

All climbers are given start times to avoid congestion in the stairs and starting lines. 

What should I do with the cash/check donations that I collect?

Donations raised prior to the event can be brought or mailed to the American Lung Association at 1950 Arlingate Lane, Columbus OH  43228.  Please to not send cash in the mail.  A pledge tracking sheet can be found on the Participant Resources page with directions on how to send in your donations.  Donations can also be brought to packet pick-up (date TBD) or to check-in on the day of the climb.

How do I earn a t-shirt?

Participants who meet or exceed their $100 fundraising minimum will receive an official climb t-shirt.

What is the distance of the climb?

The distance of the vertical climb is 40 floors which consists of approximately 880 steps. 

Is there a packet pick up?

Packet Pick-Up times and locations are announced via email and website.  Be advised, only climbers who have met or exceeded their $100 fundraising minimum can take advantage of packet pick-up.  Climbers who are unable to make it to packet pick-up or who are bringing in additional fundraising dollars the day of the event must arrive at day of event check-in during their assigned time frame. No packets will be mailed.

Will there be water and medical service available?

Yes, water is located at designated stations throughout the climb.  Signage will be posted to direct you to the nearest water station.  Medical staff will also be on-site for those who need any assistance throughout the event.  Any volunteer can assist you and put you in contact with medical personnel.  If you must exit in case of an emergency or you are unable to complete the climb, seek assistance from event staff or volunteers and you will be escorted properly.  Do not just exit on any floor; there are procedures in place for your safety.

Will there be a marathon start or a relay?

The Fight For Air Climb does not have a marathon start, and it is not a relay.  Climbers will start in approximate 15 second intervals (which may vary based on total number of registrants), and teams will be grouped together.

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.  A list of specific Day of Event information will be sent to each participant the week of the event and additional information can be found on the Climber FAQ page.   Most importantly, please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy!