Chicago Firefighters Climb 180 Floors in 50 Pounds of Gear

On Sunday, March 10, more than 50 area firefighters will participate in Chicago’s biggest stair climb carrying 50-75 pounds of gear in the Firefighter Challenge at the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago’s Fight For Air Climb at Presidential Towers presented by UnitedHealthcare.

In the Firefighter Challenge, teams of five or more firefighters compete for the title of the fastest fire department and top fundraising team. The teams are required to climb in full gear – helmet, mask, boots and air tank – which can add 50-75 pounds of weight as they tackle 180 floors, 2,340 steps of the four Presidential Towers in Chicago’s West Loop. Firefighters who climb all four towers will climb 70 floors higher than the Willis Tower.

Area firefighters participate in the Fight For Air Climb for fitness and to bond as a team, but also to honor loved ones they lost to lung cancer and to raise awareness about the risk of lung disease for firefighters.

“In the line of duty, firefighters are regularly exposed to smoke, gasses, chemicals and other substances that can be damaging to their lungs, making them at an increased risk for lung disease,” said Kristen Young, executive director of the Lung Association. “Firefighters are out there saving lives every day, so hopefully the work we do at the American Lung Association can help prevent lung disease and find a cure for lung cancer. We are honored that so many local heroes participate in our event.”

The Fight For Air Climb is open to all first responders, as well as individuals, friends and family teams, and corporate teams. Each year, the event attracts thousands of people from across the country race up the stairs of 1, 2, 3 or all 4 Presidential Towers (a total of 180 floors, 2,340 steps) to raise awareness and money to fight lung disease.

More information is at FightForAirClimb.org.