Participants' lungs and legs hurt just thinking about it, but despite any pre-event jitters, more than 500 turned up in support of the BC Lung Association's Stairclimb for Clean Air on Sunday morning, Feb. 26 in Vancouver.
It's not a traditional road race or even a triathlon and it's no walk in the park either. It's a 739 step, 48-storey climb to the top of one of B.C.'s tallest buildings at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel.
Roberts Creek native Shaun Stephens-Whale topped the results again this year at a time of 4:25, while the average climber took 10 to 15 minutes.
A six-man contingent from the Gibsons fire department competed once again carrying 65 pounds of gear with them. They included Jordan Pratt, 10:06, Cody Robinson, 10:11, Keith Andrews, 11:57, Ben Newman, 14:58, Rob Humphries, 16:54 and Dan Martin, 19:23.
But while the event attracts competitive stair climbers out to set personal bests, and a large contingent of B.C. firefighters who support the cause, an equal number of stairclimb participants step up in tribute to loved ones, family and friends affected by lung disease.
We had a terrific mix of people young and old, said BC Lung Association event co-ordinator Marissa McFadyen. We had firefighters and top-ranked athletes; people directly impacted by lung disease, people looking for fun and community involvement all uniting in support of lung health and clean air.
The event played out against a backdrop of rising concern for the lung health of British Columbians.
Not a day goes by when we do not think about people affected by lung disease: the child with breathing problems, the worker losing lung function because of inhaling dust and fumes on the job, or the grandmother crippled by lung disease caused by a past smoking habit, said Chris Lam, development manager for the BC Lung Association.
So far the Stairclimb for Clean Air event has raised more than $150,000 but fundraising post event will continue until March 23. Organizers hope reach the $250,000 mark.
Since the event began in 2002, participants have raised well over $1.2 million dollars. All event proceeds go towards vital lung health and air quality research, programs and initiatives.
To make a donation, visit www.stairclimb.ca or call the BC Lung Association at 1-604-731-LUNG (5864).
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