American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

What is a 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.

The event is professionally timed, but open to participants of all athletic abilities.  You set your own pace!  Most people who can walk 3 miles can climb all 37 floors in about 15-20 minutes.

When is The Pittsburgh 2011 Fight For Air Climb? 

This climb will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2011.  The first climber begins at 8:30am. 

When do I arrive?

It is imperative that you get there at least ONE HOUR PRIOR TO YOUR START TIME, this is so you can check-in, get your bib and timing chip in a timely manner before your climb time.  Start times will be emailed a week before the event.  If you are not sure of your start time, arrive at 7:00am.  (Registration begins at 7am, climb starts at 8:30am).  What happens if I am late/miss my climb time window?  Not to worry, we will work you into the lineup ASAP.

What do I bring with me on event day?

Please bring any fundraising dollars you have collected and not yet turned in.  You should also bring a bottle of water, but most importantly, please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy! 

How do donations work?

All climbers must reach a minimum fundraising goal of $100 by event day (March 19th).  All donations not previously turned in can be brought to the event and turned in at the pre-registration table in the lobby of the Gulf Tower.  Additional donations and fundraising (over the required $100) can be turned in up to April 30th and counted towards fundraising awards and prize totals.

Why doesn't my $25 registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?  The $25 registration fee helps cover costs of event, such as event t-shirts, free snacks and refreshments, giveaways, trophies, etc.  Participants are asked to fundraise the minimum of $100 and are encouraged and challenged to raise above the minimum.  All donations go to the American Lung Association's mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Can I give someone part of my donations to help them reach their $100 goal?

Yes, donations can be moved between climbers to reach the minimum fundraising goals.  The climber giving the donations from their totals must be present at the time the request is made.

How do my donations help?

With the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association in Pittsburgh 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.

How do I get there?  Directions

Please see the "Directions" link for directions to The Gulf Tower and parking garage.

Where should I park?

Parking will be available in the Liberty and 7th Parking Garage.  There is an entrance on Liberty between Strawberry Way and 7th and an entrance on Smithfield.

Start Line:

Line monitors will assist you at the Start Line located in the Gulf Tower lobby.  All participants will begin the climb in 15 second intervals.

How many floors do I have to climb? 

You will be climbing up 38 floors of the Gulf Tower (722 steps).  There will be water stations, medical volunteers and security on designated stairwells for your safety and convenience throughout the climb, if you need a break or need to exit the stairs. 

How big are the stairwells?

If you notice that you are "faster" than other participants, please PASS TO THE LEFT OF THOSE PARTICIPANTS.  If you are walking please stay to the right.   Feel free to use the hand rails, but please do not block other climbers from passing you!  Yes you may skip steps.

Where is the water?

Water stations will be located every 5 floors and at the top of the tower.  Please keep hydrated before, during and after the event.

Can we carry stuff on us while we climb?

I-pods/music devices/heart monitors may be used, but must be worn properly, for example: cords must be tucked, no loose cords may dangle from your body as could be cause for injury.  (If this is seen, staff/volunteers/and security may ask you to remove for safety reasons.)

What about personal belongings?

There will be a coat/bag check; however we highly recommend limiting what you bring to the climb and leaving coats and bags in your vehicle or with a friend/family member that is not climbing.  Please do not check valuables.  The American Lung Association, Gulf Tower, staff, management or volunteers are not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen. 

 How do I view my climbing results?

Unofficial results will be provided at the post event celebration event occurring immediately after every climber has finished.  Official results will be available online at www.lunginfo.org/pittclimb later that afternoon.

How does timing work?

Every single climber is professionally timed (chip timing), whether you decide to race or just walk.  Even if you are on a team, you can still qualify for individual awards.  Team times are calculated by the average of your fastest 5 climbers.

Are there Awards?

Yes.  There will be awards in the following categories:

-  1st, 2nd, 3rd place medals for the fastest climbers in each age category for both male and female 
   (14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & over).
-  Fastest overall male and female climber.
-  Fastest First Responder Team.
-  Fastest Individual First Responder.
-  Fastest Team (combination of the 5 fastest team member times)
-  Largest Team
-  Top individual fundraiser (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
-  Top fundraising team (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
-  Most team spirit

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.  Click on the "Start a Team" link under the "Sign Up" menu on the left to start your own team.

Are pets allowed?

Sorry, but pets are not allowed in the building.

How do I sign up?

You can register online by clicking on one of the options under the "Sign Up" menu on the left.  If you need more information about our Fight for Air Climb, please contact Tiffany Villalba at 724-933-6180 ext 227 or tvillalba@lunginfo.org.