American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

Where can I find instructions on registering?

Click here for information about registering.

What is a Stairclimb?

Stairclimbs are a new breed of competitive physical events that are growing in popularity around the world. These "vertical marathons" are a great way to challenge you physically.

When is the Austin Stairclimb?

The event will take place on May 19, 2012. Check in begins at 7:30 am welcome ceremony is at 8:30am and the climb starts at 9:00 am.

When do I arrive?

Please plan to arrive at least one hour prior to your start time so you can check-in and get your bib and timing chip before your climb time.

Registration is at 7:30 am.  Welcome Ceremony is at 8:30 am.  The Climb starts at 9:00 am.  Climbers will be organized into climb times of 30 minute intervals.

You can receive your climb time at Packet Pick Up on Friday, May 18th from 12 pm- 6pm at the American Lung Association Offices (5926 Balcones Dr. Suite 100, ATX 78731).  If you don't pick up your packet early, please check on our Home Page under Climb Announcements for a list of participant climb times after Thursday, May 17th.

How do donations work?

If you have not raised the $100 minimum by the close of registration (Thursday, May 17^th at 12pm) you will have the opportunity to turn in the remaining amount at the Donations Registration Table. All participants must raise a minimum of $100 in order to climb Frost Tower, and are encouraged and challenged to raise more than the minimum. All donations go directly to helping in our fight for clean air and healthy lungs. And remember, all donations are tax deductible!  Why doesn't my $25 registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?  The $25 registration fee helps cover costs of the event, such as event t-shirts, trophies, etc. 

Are walk UPs allowed?

Registration closes Thursday, May 17th at 12 pm. New registrants after that date, including those wishing to climb on Saturday, will be processed as walk ups with a $150 total fee.

How do I get there?

Parking is free (courtesy of Thomas Properties) for all participants and volunteers.
Park at the Frost Parking Garage at the Brazos Street entrance.
The Frost Parking Garage on 4^th will not be accessible.
Say you are with the “Fight for Air Climb” - a parking attendant will direct you. Do not park in reserved spaces.
Directions/Parking: Please see the "Directions" link for directions to the Frost Bank Tower.
Congress Avenue will be closed for an event that morning. Traffic will be allowed across Congress at specific intervals and locations. However, we encourage you to take I35 to avoid street barricades.
4^th Street (where our event is taking place) will be barricaded by 7am.

Directions from North Austin:
Congress Avenue will be closed for an event that morning. Traffic will be allowed across Congress at specific intervals and locations. However, we encourage you to take I35 to avoid street barricades. 4^th Street (where our event is taking place) will be barricaded by 7am.

Directions from North Austin:
Take 1-35S
Take exit 234A toward Cesar Chavez St/Holly St
Merge onto I-35 Frontage Rd
Turn Right onto E 4^th St
Turn Right onto Brazos St – Arrive at Parking Garage (on the left)

Directions from South Austin:
Take I-35 N
Take Exit 234B toward Cesar Chavez/2^nd-4^th Sts
Merge onto 1-35 Frontage Rd
Turn left onto E 4^th Street

Where are the restrooms?

Portable restrooms will be provided. Once you start the race there will be no restrooms available until you cross the finish line and take the elevator back down to the lobby.

Start Line:

Line monitors will assist you at the Start Line.  All participants must be in numerical order and will go up every few seconds.

How many floors do I have to climb?

You will climb 31 floors in the Frost Tower. There will be water stations, medical volunteers and security on the designated stairwells for your safety and convenience throughout the climb if you need a break or need to exit the stairs.

Can teams do the Climb relay style?

No. All team members must complete the climb from start to finish. No substitutions or relay-style racing will be allowed.

What happens if I need a break or need to exit the stairs early?

Volunteers, security officers and EMT will be stationed accordingly throughout the building and the stairwells to ensure your safety in the building.  If you need to exit, please find the nearest volunteer and he or she will escort you to a safe place for medical assistance.

How do I pass other climbers in 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.

What’s the best way to wear my timing bib?

Wear the bib on the front of the body.
Do not wear the bib skin tight.
Wear the bib as low as possible on your body. Ideally, the bib is safety-pinned over the stomach.
Do not fold the tag, tuck the bib into shorts or pants, or roll up the bottom of bib with the tag.

Where is the water?

Water stations are located on the 11th and 25th floors.  Water is also available at the street party on 4th street.  Remember to keep hydrated before, during and after the event.

Will there be food?

There will be food vendors who have generously offered to sponsor our event. Food and beverage samples are limited and will be given first come, first served.  We are thankful to have the Evil Weiner food truck, Hickory Farms, Potbelly Sandwiches, Good Pops, My Fit Foods and others. Texenza Coffee, in the Frost Lobby, is offering a free medium coffee and 20% off food items for climbers. Blue Ribbon BBQ on 4^th Street is offering free dessert with a meal. Coupons will be available in your packets.

Will there be music?

In true Austin tradition, we have live music.  There will be three musicians and groups playing at this year's event:

Sound Stage generously donated by Roadway Productions.

Who is the Spokesperson?

Callie Thompson, our own Miss Austin 2012, is the spokesperson for the Fight for Air Climb. She suffers from severe asthma and her mission is to reach out to children with asthma and their families to encourage them and offer hope that this disease does not have to limit their dreams. Come meet Callie and other Miss Texas/Miss Teen Texas pageant winners at our stage area. Callie and her “Limitless” team are climbing in heels!

What about personal belongings?

Please leave all personal belongings in the car.  The American Lung Association staff and volunteers are not responsible for any personal belongings.

Are there T-Shirts?

The first 600 participants to pick up their packet will receive a Fight for Air Climb t-shirt. Should we run out of t-shirts, the American Lung Association will order more for the participants that did not receive a shirt

Where are the restrooms?

Portable restrooms will be available outside the Frost Tower service alley off 4^th street (next to the Parking Garage.) Please do not try to use restrooms within the building. Once you start the race there will be no restrooms available until you cross the finish line and take the elevator back down to the lobby.

What’s the BREATHE EASY LOUNGE?

Alen Corporation will be hosting a Breathe Easy Lounge in the lobby of the Frost Tower featuring Alen air purifiers and water for climbers.  Stop by, have a cool drink, take a deep breath of clean air and relax on a comfy bean bag chair, courtesy of Alen Corp!

What about elevators?

The elevators will be used only for bringing climbers from the top of Frost Tower to the ground level. Participants will not be able to ride the elevators up to any floor of the Frost Tower.

Can we carry stuff on us while we climb?

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

What about personal belongings?

Please leave all personal belongings in the car. American Lung Association staff and volunteers will not be responsible for any personal items.

Can we carry our things in backpacks during the climb?

There will be no backpacks allowed during the climb. Please leave all unnecessary personal belongings with a non-climber, at home or in your car.

What about safety?

All security procedures must be followed.  Security officers and EMT will be stationed accordingly throughout the building and the stairwells to ensure your safety in the building.  They will have radio communication in case of any emergency.  In the event of an emergency on the street level, please notify the Frost Tower lobby guard located at the front desk - they will be able to radio EMS on site.

How do I view my climbing results?

Official results will be available on our website.

How does timing work?

Every single climber is timed, whether you decide to race or just walk.  Even if you are on a team, you can still qualify for individual awards.  

Are there awards?

Yes - medals and trophies will be awarded for fastest climbers, top fundraisers and fastest teams.

How old do I have to be to climb?

Children 12 and up may climb Frost Tower.
Children between 10-12 years old may climb with a guardian and signed waiver.
A guardian must be left with a child when a parent climbs.

What about children?

American Lung Association volunteers are not responsible for children supervision. There will be family activities available, including a St. David's HealthCare ambulance and an AFD Fire Truck for children to explore and enjoy.

Any other questions/concerns?

Please contact us at 512-467-6753 and we will be more than happy to assist you!