It can get crowded in the stairwells, but racers are released in heats. Etiquette at most events dictates that climbers pass on the left. Many events raise money for charities. Registration fills up fast at these wildly popular events, so sign up early.
Empire State Building Run Up
New York, New York - February 6, 2013 1 of 10
photo by NYRR
Charge up 86 stories and 1,576 stairs to the top of the Empire State Building. You'll be rewarded with a nighttime view of Manhattan (race starts at 8 p.m. this year) when you reach the observation deck. The brainchild of Fred Lebow, co-founder of the New York City Marathon, this race may have been the first of its kind. Charity spots are still available.?
Fight for Air Climbs
Various dates and cities 2 of 10
Peak the Plaza race in Providence, Rhode Island
Fight for Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the American Lung Association to raise funds, and bring awareness to the fact that Lung disease is America's number three killer, responsible for one in six deaths (that's more than 400,000 deaths) every year. They usually happen in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas, such as the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (March 2, 2013) and the Aon Center in Los Angeles (April 6, 2013).
Climb to the Top NYC
New York, New York - March 3, 2013 3 of 10
Climb to the Top is a unique event where participants climb 66 flights of stairs to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center and experience an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. This is a timed event, so challenge yourself to see how fast you can climb to the top. Roughly 1,500 participants will climb 66 flights of stairs to support research and awareness for multiple sclerosis.
CF Climb
Albany, New York - March 7, 2013 4 of 10
Join the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeastern New York for the 25th annual stair climb up Corning Tower, the tallest building—complete with 42 floors and 809 steps—in Albany. The event includes a firefighter's challenge, a "U Can Do It Climb" of 13 floors as well as a relay, where each participant climbs one-fourth of the distance to the top.
Race to the Top
Charlotte, North Carolina - April 20, 2013 5 of 10
photo by Klaus Walter
A cozy field of 750 will race up the Duke Energy Center, an LEED-certified building with 50 floors and 1,194 steps. Spectators and participants can watch climbers race up to the top in three spots from a huge video board. If you're racing to win, the course record is 7:07, set by Zack Kessell in 2012.
Climb and Run for Wilderness
Alberta, Canada - April 20, 2013 6 of 10
An annual Earth Day tradition at the Calgary Tower, the Climb and Run for Wilderness provides participants with the chance to climb the 802 stairs to the observation deck, a stairwell that's usually closed to the public. The event features a Wild Alberta Expo that features information about Alberta's wilderness, wildlife and waters.
Climb for Hope
Boston, Massachusetts - April 28, 2013 7 of 10
The Wediko Stair Climb raises funds and awareness for Wediko Children's Services and its programs for children and families. This vertical race will be professionally timed with prizes awarded for fastest times, biggest fundraiser and largest teams. Firefighters are encouraged to participate in full gear while competing against other teams in their division. Race or walk as an individual or team. Repetitive climb and "Weight of the World" divisions are also available.
Ketchum-Downtown YMCA Stair Climb for L.A.
Los Angeles, California - September 27, 2013 8 of 10
photo by David Humphreys
The 20th annual Stair Climb for L.A. is the Y's biggest fundraising event of the year; proceeds go to support inner-city children, families and programs. You'll need to train to tackle the 1,700 stairs to the top of the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building on the West Coast. After you tackle the tower, join other finishers at the post-race party for food, music, awards, entertainment, and to watch other climbers on the Jumbotron.
SkyRise Chicago
Chicago, Illinois - November 3, 2103 9 of 10
More than 2,600 climbers raced up the 110-story, 2,109-step Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, at the 2012 SkyRise Chicago. The race benefits the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and RIC patients can participate in a handcycle event that simulates the effects climbers feel when charging up the tower.
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