You've Got Questions?  We've Got Answers!

What is the registration fee and deadline?
Registration is $45 per climber until 12:00 P.M. (CST) on Thursday, January 29, 2015. On event day, late registration is $60 per climber. Online registration closes at 12:00 P.M. (CST) on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Climbers can register the morning of the climb from 8:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M.. After that all registration is closed for the 2015 climb. The entry fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person.

What does the registration fee include?
Lots!  In addition to giving you access to the biggest stair climb in North Texas, your registration fee includes training recommendations, a 2014 Big D Climb T-shirt, Participant Handbook, access to the official Big D Climb After Party, and the knowledge that you are helping to raise critical funds for blood cancer research. Did you know that at least 78 cents out of every dollar you donate goes directly to the LLS mission to find a cure for blood cancers and improve the lives of patients and their families? 

I want to climb with a friend. What should I do?
If you are climbing with a friend, form a team! Teams consist of two or more people coming together to race. The only way we know to put you with a friend when assigning start times is if you identify your racing buddy as your teammate. Forming teams is easy - just create a team name when registering (click the "create a team" link) and have everybody on your team register using the same team name (click the "join a team" link). Still have questions? Email Melissa.Jacobowski@lls.org or call 972.996.5900.

Do I have to fundraise?
While there is no fundraising minimum required to participate in the 2015 Big D Climb, we are raising funds for a very important mission - to find a cure for blood cancers. Therefore, we ask that every climber attempt to raise at least an additional $50. Don't worry - it's easy! Visit our fundraising page to get some ideas and check out the fundraising thank you gifts that are offered. You'll raise money to help the more than one million people living with blood cancers in the United States and earn cool Big D Climb gifts at the same time!

What is the Participant Center?
The Participant Center is the single best tool in your fundraising tool box. Here you can customize your personal or team fundraising page and send emails to your supporters. Make it fun or make it serious - just customize it and send it to your friends and family to ask for their support. The event's top fundraisers utilize this tool every year and have great success!

When is the pledge collection deadline?
Having so much success fundraising that you can't get everything in by the climb date? Don't worry - pledge collection will remain open for two weeks after the Big D Climb. Everything you raise by February 13, 2015 will make you eligible for some rock star Big D Climb gifts. Check out the thank you gifts on the fundraising page!

How are team donations handled?
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.

How do my donors get tax receipts?
Online donors automatically receive a tax receipt immediately after they donate via email. Offline donors who contribute $50 or more will be mailed a tax receipt. Offline donors who contributed less than $50 may request a tax receipt. Please note this when submitting their donations. Tax receipts will be mailed as donations are received and all will be sent by mid-February.

How are start times assigned?
Start times are assigned in the order that entry forms are received with preference given to past top fundraisers. Starting at approximately 8:30 a.m., we will assign climbers a start time every 10 seconds. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time. If you have a start time request, please make note of it when you register. We will do our best to accommodate everybody.

When will I receive my start time?
Start times will be emailed, posted on the Big D Climb Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bigdclimb) and placed on this website Wednesday, January 28, 2015. This will not be the final list. If you register after 12 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 and before 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 29, additional start times will be updated on Friday, January 30, 2015. 

Can I change my start time?
Once start times are assigned, it is very difficult to change them. Again, if you have a specific request, please indicate that when you register. Please email Melissa.Jacobowski@lls.org if you have any questions.  

Where is the event held?
The 2015 Big D Climb will be held at Comerica Bank Tower in Downtown Dallas. Comerica Bank Tower's address is 1717 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75201. The official Big D Climb After Party will be held at Main Street Garden, which is located just across the street from Comerica Bank Tower. Main Street Garden's address is 1902 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75201.

What time should I arrive?
30 minutes prior to your assigned start time. Please take in to consideration the time it will take you to find parking. Also allow for extra time if you are unable to attend our packet pickups. Click here for details.

How many stairs are there?
1,276 - Aren't you feeling a little proud of yourself already?

How many stories are in the Big D Climb?
58 stories - No sweat. (Well, maybe a little!)

Can you give me specifics on the stairwell?
The stairwell winds up clockwise. There are 22 steps in each story. While there are some exceptions, most of the flights are divided in half, i.e., eleven steps (turn) eleven steps = one story.

Do I have to take the stairs back down to the first floor?
Don't worry - once you reach the 58th story, you get to take the elevator down!

How long does the Big D Climb take?
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 six minutes while the average participant takes from 18 to 25 minutes to finish.  Rules of the road apply to climbing, i.e., climb on the right and pass on the left. 

Will I receive an event T-shirt?
Yes. If you did not pick up your shirt at packet pick-up, you will receive your Big D Climb T-shirt at the After Party.

Is there a bag check area provided?
There will be a free bag check area for personal items on the 1st floor. LLS is not responsible for any items that may be lost or stolen.

Should I climb with a water bottle?
A water bottle is not necessary. We have several designated water stops on the way up. 

Can I wear a baby backpack?
No, baby backpacks and all other backpacks are not allowed.

Can I take a camera or video recorder up the stairs with me?
No, security policy prohibits cameras and video recorders in the stairwells.

Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line?
No. Due to space limitations, no spectators are allowed at the finish line.  Friends and family are welcome to wait on the first floor or at the after party, details to be provided.  Please visit the about page.

Can we practice at the building before the event?
No. Due to safety, security and liability reasons, we cannot allow anyone in the building before the event begins.

Can I use the Big D Climb logo for shirts and personal flyers?
Yes. Email Melissa.Jacobowski@lls.org for the logo file.

Do you have event posters I can display?
Yes! If you are interested in hanging posters at work or your favorite coffee or sandwich shop, we are more than happy to send a couple to you and thank you for your help in promoting this great event!  Email Melissa.Jacobowski@lls.org to request posters.

I'm not comfortable with online stuff.  What can I do?
If you would prefer not to register and/or fundraise online, don't worry - we have some offline options. If you would like to register via mail or the phone, please call the Big D Climb Team at 972.996.5900 or email Melissa.Jacobowski@lls.org  and you will be mailed or emailed a physical registration form you can then fill out and mail to the LLS office. Please send checks to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Attn: Big D Climb, 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite. 425, Dallas, TX 75251

FIRST RESPONDER - FIRE DEPARTMENT FAQ

What equipment is required?
The following list is required. If you have any questions about the equipment needed, please send an email to either Melissa.Jacobowski@lls.org.

• The race will be done in FULL structural firefighting gear: boots, pants, and coat (liners intact), helmet and gloves. Hoods will not be worn. Breathing apparatus will be worn and USED every step of the course.
• Each firefighter participant is required to use gear which meets current NFPA structural firefighting standards. Gear that is not issued by your department for structural firefighting must meet NFPA 1971-2007 for structural firefighting. In the event that your fire department does not issue bunker gear, boots or helmets that comply, entrants must use the gear issued by your department that meets the next most current NFPA requirements. If the participant cannot secure compliant gear a limited supply will be on site on a first come first served basis. No modified and/or racing gear allowed.
• Boots used for the event must meet NFPA 1971-2007 for structural firefighting standards. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify NFPA standards on their specific brand of boot prior to the competition. Each participant will be briefly checked prior to entering the stairwell to ensure the proper equipment is worn during the course of the event. Gear that is found to be not fire department issue, and does not meet current NFPA requirements will subject the participant to disqualification. A disqualified participant will not be eligible for any individual or team racing prizes.

How does bottle change work?
There will be a bottle staging area on a specific floor (TBD) for spare bottles. Since SCBA must be worn and used throughout the climb, most participants will need to get a fresh bottle at this point to successfully complete the event. Firefighters will designate someone to serve as a bottle changer.

Who can be a bottle changer?
Bottle changers do not need to be firefighters, but they need a working knowledge of your equipment.

Does my bottle changer need to register?
No. It is not necessary for your bottle changer to register. Each department is allowed one bottle changer during the competition.

How should bottles be prepared for the event?
Each bottle must be clearly marked with your department name.

Where should my bottle changer check in?
Bottle changers should check in on the main floor by the volunteer check-in. Bottle changers and equipment will be taken to the assigned floor. Each bottle changer will be given a clearance wristband. Without this wristband bottle changers will not be allowed to travel to the assigned - no exceptions.

When should my bottle changer check in?
All bottle changers must be ready in the assigned floor changing area no later than 7:45 a.m. for a mandatory bottle changer meeting.