Taking Big Steps For Your Health With The 2012 Fight For Air Stair Climb in Denver
2012 Fight For Air Climb
Sunday, February 26, 2012
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fighting for air is a daily struggle for some and to commemorate this feat, the American Lung Association hosts the annual Fight For Air Climb. Hosted across the nation in notable skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, Colorado's Fight For Air Climb makes for a tough assent in the Mile High City.
The 2012 Fight For Air Stair Climb is taking place at Republic Plaza and is the 7th climb in Denver benefiting the American Lung Association in Colorado, or ALAC. Participants climb the 56 floors of Denver's tallest building at Republic Plaza—a whopping 714 feet above the already lofty skyline. While friendly competition is encouraged, some climb for personal goals, team races or in honor of loved ones battling with lung disease.
The views in Denver are prize enough for climbers who reach the summit. However, games, food and activities will be provided in the lobby after the harrowing climb. Participants can register for the annual event for $35 and are required to make a minimum $65 pledge. Host to more than 2,000 climbers last year, the huffing and puffing was followed by smiles for the cause and a climb well done. This year's goal is almost $480,000—a challenge in and of itself that the ALAC is eager to accomplish.
There are a few ways to participate in this annual climb. You can start a team, join a team, or join as an individual. You can even volunteer if you don't have calves of steel, but still want to participate. A post-event celebration will be held on April 14, 2012.
Discount codes, the opportunity to give an additional gift and your fundraising goal quotes can be found on each of the online registration pages. Climb for a cause and bring awareness to asthma, second hand smoke, lung cancer and emphysema. In the Mile High City, the American Lung Association in Colorado is taking one step at a time. To join the climb, visit www.lungusa.org for more information.
Train for the 56-floor climb at these great Denver-area workout spots.
Related: Best places to exercise in Denver.
Hours: May - September: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. October - April: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Price: Free
With 69 rows of bench seating to scale and descend, Red Rocks Amphitheater is a prime location to train for a stair-climb. Not to mention that you are starting your climb at a whopping 6,400 feet above sea level.
Mon-Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: Non-member guest fee is $20
Enhance your lung capacity while swimming in the Forza's salt-water pool,or gain valuable climbing strength on their climbing wall. Forza also has stairs built to replicate the stairs at Red Rocks Amphitheater, for when going out and training in the cold weather is just not an option.
Hours: Mon & Wed: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Tue & Thurs: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri: 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Closed Sun
Price: Day-pass $5; Click here for membership fees
A Denver Parks and Recreation rec center, the 20th Street Gym is an economical location for your fitness training. With three-month rates sometimes set under $30 for local residents, and yearly packages just shy of $200, the 20th Street Gym along with other Denver-area rec centers are a great bet for the frugal fitness buff.
Related: Nearly 3000 participate in 2011 Red Rocks stair climb.
Chad is an avid globetrotter and brings the best of travel secrets and expert insights to his readership. A Denver-based travel writer and photographer, Chad's travels have taken him to five of the seven continents in a passionate love affair with the world of travel and the outdoors. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
