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Participant limit and $50/person fundraising minimum
We will once again cap this event at 6,000 participants. Last year's event sold out so we urge you to register early. We also want to maintain our fundraising focus to fight blood cancers thus all participants over 21 years of age are required to fundraise a minimum of $50. This is in addition to the $40 registration fee. If you do not raise the minimum you may not be allowed to participate in future Big Climb events.
How the fundraising requirement works:
All participants over 21 years of age must raise $50 each by race day - March 21st. If you do not raise $50 by that date, you will have a second chance to raise funds by the fundraising deadline of April 9th. If you still have not raised $50 by April 9th, participation in future Big Climb events will not be permissible. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding.
Note to 2009 participants (over 21) who DID NOT fundraise the $50 minimum:
We are giving you one last chance to enter this year's race. If you did not meet your 2009 fundraising minimum you have until February 28, 2010 to donate/fundraise the difference. If you do not fundraise the remainder by that date you will not be allowed to participate in 2010's Big Climb and your 2010 registration fee is not refundable. Therefore, do not register for this year's event if you have no plans to fundraise. This is in addition to the $50 fundraising minimum for 2010, which should be raised by March 21st. (Example: John raised $0 last year. This year he will need to fundraise $100--the $50 due from last year by Feb. 28th, plus the $50 for this year by Mar. 21st.)
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Q: What is the registration fee and deadline?
A: March 15th is the registration deadline. Entry fee is $40/person which is non-refundable. Click here for details on how you can get $5 off your registration fee. After March 15th fees go up to $60/person. Online registration closes March 17th. If the event has not sold out, day of event registration will begin at 12 p.m.
Q: How does the fundraising requirement affect team members?
A: Regardless of whether you sign up as an individual or a team member, everyone over 21 years of age is required to fundraise a minimum of $50/person. If you participated in 2009 and did not raise the $50 minimum you will be required to donate/fundraise the remainder by February 28th or you will not be assigned a start time. (This is in addition to this year's $50 fundraising minimum.)
Q: Are you climbing in memory or in honor of someone?
A: Fill out this form by March 1st and a poster will be placed in the stairwell of the person you are honoring or remembering.
Q: How many stairs are there?
A: 1,311 steps
Q: How many flights is the Big Climb?
A: 69 flights
Q: What is the participant limit?
A: 6,000
Q: Can you give me specifics on the stairwell?
A: Both stairwells wind up counterclockwise. Each step is 7" and the width of the stairwell is 43".
Q: How long does the Big Climb take?
A: This depends on each participant's fitness level, speed and the amount of time spent at rest areas. Top racers finish in as little as eight minutes while the average participant takes from 25 to 40 minutes to finish.
Q: Should I climb with a water bottle?
A: A water bottle is not necessary and camelbaks are not permitted. We have designated water stops about every 10 floors. These stops will be on floor 21, 32, 40, 49, 57, and 65.
Q: When will I receive my start time?
A: Start times will be emailed (if email was provided) or mailed starting late February or early March. They will also be posted on this website's homepage when available.
Q: How are start times assigned?
A: Start times are assigned in the order that entry forms are received with preference given to past top fundraisers. Approximately 100 participants will be assigned per start time and per stairwell starting at 8:30 a.m. Start times are spaced fifteen minutes apart (8:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 9 a.m., etc) with the last start around 4pm.
Q: Can I change my start time?
A: Only for special circumstances will start times be changed. Please email wilma.comenat@lls.org if you have any questions.
Q: Do you have event posters I can display?
A: We did not print any posters this year, but you can download this 11x17 poster or this legal size poster.
Q: Will I receive an event T-shirt?
A: Yes. All participants receive an event T-shirt on race day. You can also earn additional incentives by collecting pledges.
Q: When is the pledge collection deadline?
A: April 9, 2010. You can earn great incentives based on the amount you raise.
Q: Is there a fundraising minimum?
A: Yes. See top of page.
Q: How are team donations handled?
A: Team donations are equally divided amongst the team members after the event. This amount will be added to individual fundraising amounts to come up with participant totals.
Q: How do my donors get tax receipts?
A: Online donors automatically receive a tax receipt immediately after they donate via email. Offline donors who contribute $75 or more will be mailed a tax receipt. Offline donors who contributed less than $75 may request a tax receipt. Please note this when submitting their donations. Tax receipts will be mailed around the end of April.
Q: My friend is being timed, but I want to walk without being timed. Can we still have the same start time?
A: Yes. Please note you will have the same start time but you will be in two different stairwells. You will both end up at the same finish line and may continue to the rehab floor together.
Q: Can we practice at the building before the event?
A: No. Due to safety, security and liability reasons we cannot allow anyone in the building before the event begins.
Q: Where can I find outdoor stairs to practice on?
A: Click here for a map and list of places as well as this other list. Please note that LLS has not verified these locations.
Q: Are there any stairclimb practice clinics?
A: Yes. There are free stairclimb clinics hosted by the X Gym. For more information please click here.
Q: Can I take a camera or video recorder up the stairs with me?
A: No. The Columbia Center security policy prohibits cameras and video recorders in the stairwells.
Q: Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line?
A: No. Due to space limitations, no spectators are allowed at the finish line. Friends and family are welcome to wait at the Atrium level.
Q: How do I receive my 25% discount at McCormick's and where is McCormick's located?
A: Just show your event shirt and get 25% off your food bill (drinks not included). McCormick's is located on 4th Ave. and is part of the Columbia Center. Go through the glass doors on the 1st floor which brings you to 4th Ave. Go north on 4th Ave. and you'll see McCormick's on your right side.
Q: Where is the the Pyramid Alehouse Brewery and Restaurant?
A: Pyramid Alehouse is located at 1201 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134. Click here for a map. Pyramid will be also be a post race venue. Show your event shirt to get food and drink specials. There will be a free shuttle between the Pyramid and the Columbia Center. The first shuttle will leave Pyramid at 10:15am and the last shuttle will leave the Columbia Center at 6pm. The shuttle will be at each stop about every 15mins.
Q: When and where will they show the video of participants finishing?
A: Starting at 9:30am in the Atrium Level, the first video will show participants who started at 8:30am. The videos will not repeat so please get there in a timely fashion if you want to see your finish line video and those of your teammates. The same videos will also be shown at Pyramid Alehouse with about an hour delay as well.
Q: Can I wear a baby backpack?
A: Yes, but no other type of backpacks are allowed.
Q: Is there a bag check area provided?
A: There will be a free bag check area for personal items on the 1st floor. Bags must be small enough to fit in a regular brown shopping bag.
Q: What time should I arrive?
A: 30-45 minutes prior to your assigned start time. Please take in to consideration the time it will take you to find parking.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The Big Climb is held at the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. The address is 701 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. Click here for a map.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Free parking is available for all event participants and volunteers. The entrance to the parking lot is located on Columbia Street, between 4th and 5th Avenues. Please be aware that you may be directed to another overflow parking garage nearby that charges $7/day. There is free parking and a shuttle at Pyramid Alehouse. See above.
Q: Can I use the Big Climb logo for shirts and or personal flyers?
A: Yes. Email andi.barber@lls.org for the logo file.
Q: I'm not comfortable with online stuff. What can I do?
A: You can download this entry form and use this pledge form instead. Your donors can also mail us checks to the address below. Make sure they put "Big Climb" and your name for proper crediting.
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