17th Annual Fight For Air Climb Philadelphia Returns to Three Logan Square, to Support Lung Health

The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania will be hosting its annual Fight For Air Climb at Three Logan Square on Saturday, April 9. This year’s event will include a GORUCK division and a new Top Firefighter Fundraiser Award.  

“Our participants love the experience of climbing stairs at Three Logan Square and we’re excited to be back in the building,” said Caroline Hutchinson, Executive Director, at the American Lung Association. “In addition to providing a fun event for people of all athletic levels, and a great view of Center City at the top, we are adding a GORUCK Climb division and a new Top Fundraising Firefighter award. 

The John Narkin Award, will recognize the top fundraising firefighter, and help raise awareness about lung cancer risks for firefighters.  Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders who face increased exposure to gases, chemicals and smoke in the line of duty. Firefighters are at a higher risk to develop chronic issues, including lingering coughs, hoarseness, asthma and allergies. And in more extreme cases, a multitude of cancers including lung or bronchial. Since 2007, the Philadelphia Fire Department has supported the Fight For Air Climb Philadelphia and has raised over $95,000. The Climb raises funds for lifesaving lung disease research and increases awareness, leading to earlier detection.  

“The new John Narkin Award is a tribute to Philadelphia Battalion Chief and veteran firefighter namesake, who has served the city of Philadelphia for the past 26 years. Narkin was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 and has been a lung champion and Fight For Air Climb participant since,” said Hutchinson. “While Narkin continues to receive treatment for his lung cancer, he is an inspiring example who makes a positive impact every day in the lives of his fellow firefighters and others in the community affected by lung cancer and lung disease.” Narkin will be onsite to present the award and honor his fellow firefighters and all those who are impacted by lung disease.” 

Climb Details:  

More than 500 Civilian Climbers and 100 firefighters and first responders are expected to participate in the 17th annual Fight For Air Climb Philadelphia on Saturday, April 9, 2022, starting at 7:30 a.m. Funds raised will support research, advocacy and education for lung diseases, including COVID-19, with a goal of $275,000. City Tap House on 18th Street will be open for our participants, where friends and family members can enjoy food and drink while watching the finish line on a live feed.  

Whether you’re new to stair climbing or a veteran Climber, you can choose your adventure: climb for the top time, race for your personal best or take it at your own pace – whether in person or registering for the virtual “Climb Your Way” option, at a location of your choice. The Fight for Air Climb Philadelphia has participant options for every type of Climber, including individuals, families, groups of friends and corporate teams as well as special categories for GORUCK, Century and Elite Climbers and Firefighters/First Responders.  

Climbers: Climb up 50 floors, totaling 1,088 stairs. Awards will be given for top fundraising team, top fundraising corporate team, top fundraising rookie team, fastest Century Climber (athletes who do the climb twice), and fastest male and female overall climber. Online registration is $35 and will increase to $50 for day of. A minimum $100 fundraising is also required.   

GORUCK: For endurance athletes and anyone looking to increase the difficulty of their climb with a weighted rusack for the duration of the event. Awards will be given to top overall male and top overall female GORUCK finishers who cross the finish line with rucks that met the weight standard. Every registered participant of the GORUCK division will receive an exclusive Fight For Air Climb GORUCK patch. Ruckers who do not carry the minimum weight requirement are welcome to participate! $35 online registration (closes April 6 at 11:59pm) and $100 minimum fundraising; $50 day of registration and $100 minimum fundraising.  

Firefighters: Awards for Fastest Firefighter Team and Top Fundraising Firefighter Team. Individual Firefighter Awards include Overall Fastest Firefighter in full gear. $15 online registration with the HERO2022 discount code and $100 minimum fundraising; $50 day of registration and $100 minimum fundraising.   

The dollars raised with this event help to support local lung disease education, advocacy and research in Western Pennsylvania. This year, The American Lung Association is funding two researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Alfonso Bellacosa, M.D., M.H.S., and Johnathan Whetstine, Ph.D. This important research will help to improve lung disease outcomes including asthma, COVID-19 and lung cancer. The mission of the American Lung Association is more important than ever – to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.   

Local sponsors include Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Brandywine Realty Trust, Holman Enterprises, Independence Blue Cross, Genentech and Veracyte. For more information, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb/philadelphia.