American Lung Association’s 12th Annual Fight for Air Climb Providence Goes Virtual Due to COVID-19

For the first time in its 12 year history, the Fight for Air Climb Providence, hosted by the American Lung Association, will be held virtually. By shifting from a physical event to one held online, the organization will reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and remain in observance of CDC and state recommended guidelines. Effective immediately, participants from throughout Providence —and around the country—will be able to register, track their own progress and complete goals for the Fight for Air Climb while remaining active within their own home or community.

“The Fight for Air Climb Providence is a beloved event for our team and for many in the Rhode Island community—but our top priority is always the health of our participants, volunteers and staff. For that reason, we’ve made the difficult decision to shift this year’s event to a virtual one,” said Development Director for the American Lung Association in Rhode Island Daniel Bowler. “While COVID-19 may have changed our event plan, it has also strengthened our resolve to act as a community and defend the right and ability for everyone to breathe freely. We thank our participants and lung health community for working with us as committed partners in the effort to defeat COVID-19 and helping to fund vital lung health research that saves lives.”

The annual Fight For Air Climb was scheduled for April 4th at the Omni Hotel. As a virtual event, organizers have developed new ways for people to participate virtually now through June 30, starting with downloading the free Strava app and joining the Fight For Air Climb Providence Club. Participants are asked to stay active and choose a challenge including climbing, running, walking or riding. Their tracked activity will correspond with the official Strava leaderboard, retaining a sense of friendly competition that the event is often known for. The virtual event allows participants to choose a virtual bib number and will provide a printable certificate upon completion. All are welcome to use #fightforairclimb, #everystepcounts and #provclimb to join in on social media.

The Fight for Air Climb Providence regularly attracts over 800 people to walk or run up the 44 flights of stairs, or 348 steps, to the top of the Omni Hotel. Climbers usually include firefighters from throughout the New England area who climb during the “Firefighter Challenge” wearing full firefighter gear, weighing up to 50 lbs. The Fight for Air Climb Providence is one of a series of American Lung Association signature fundraising events across the country, all of which have now gone virtual due to COVID-19 safety precautions.  
Registration for the virtual event is $10 and participants are asked to raise $100 or more. Participants raising over $100 may be eligible for a t-shirt, incentive prize, social media mentions and more. The event aims to raise over $212,000 for our mission, to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through advocacy, education and research of lung diseases, including COVID-19. Those who registered for the event prior to the virtual announcement will get complimentary registration for the 2021 Climb.

The Fight for Air Climb Providence is presented by MetLife Auto & Home; other sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Absolute Respiratory Care, IGT, Pilgrim Title, Lifespan, WJAR NBC 10, iHeartRadio and Omni Hotels & Resorts.

For more information on the Providence Fight for Air Climb visit ProvClimb.org. For more information on the American Lung Association’s work on COVID-19, and the COVID-19 Action Initiative, visit Lung.org/covid19.