FAQ

You can register online by specifying your participation type. You can climb as a team, an individual, or join us as a volunteer. Then follow the prompts to complete your registration. Please feel free to reach out to event manager Your Detroit Team with any questions.

Online registration prices are as follows:

• Climber - $35
• Elite Climber - $35
• Ultimate Climber - $45
• Firefighter - $35
• Firefighter No Gear - $35
• First Responder - $35
• Volunteer - FREE
• Climb Your Way Virtually - FREE

Registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to make the event, funds raised will support the American Lung Association’s mission. You may request to transfer your registration fee to the next event date, but please note that registration fees are non-refundable.

All Firefighter Challenge participants are timed during their climb at Comerica Park and are to wear full structural firefighting personal protective equipment which meets current NFPA standards. This includes boots, turnout coat with pant liners, helmet, gloves, and SCBA harness with air cylinder. SCBA facepieces and hoods do not need to be worn. Firefighters will not be on air. SCBA tanks are to be full. No axes or halligans. Turnout gear and tanks must be clean, and gear will be inspected before your flight time. All firefighter participants competing in the Challenge must meet the gear requirements and be retired from or current firefighter who is volunteer, part-time or full-time at their department. Stay tuned for award information for our annual Firefighter Challenge.

Participants will weave up and down the entire Lowel Level covering 1,316 stairs which equates to a little over a half of mile. Elite Stadium Climbers will take the same route, at a different Flight Time. If you are an athlete or experience Climber, this group may be for you!

First Responder and Firefighters: Same route new time! Participants will weave up and down the entire 300 and 200 Levels, covering an estimated 2,103 stairs which equates to about three-quarters of a mile.

Ultimate Climbers will be on the Upper Levels as well, but the stair count depends on how many laps YOU make!

That’s a great question! We would anticipate the average time range for this year’s Stadium Climber route will fall between 18 to 28 minutes and for Firefighters climbing in full gear the average time range will fall between 24 to 35 minutes.

Start times will be assigned in the week leading up to the event. You will receive an emailed link to flight times. If hoping to Climb with others, please be sure to have your team formed by May 1 to ensure you all receive the same flight time. Please note all participant types are climbing at different times throughout the day and flight times may be hours apart.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your start time. This gives you time to get through security and warm up. Please refer to the Comerica Park security guidelines for current information on stadium regulations.

Upon arrival, signage and volunteers will direct you toward the Registration / Check-In Table where you will pick up your race bib(s) and event t-shirt. Remember, you can speed up your time in line by attending Packet Pick-Up at our Southfield office BEFORE the event! More information to come.

If for some reason you cannot complete the climb, someone at the nearest water station can assist you.

If you forgot to order your Alumni Shirt or Route Sign while registering, or would like to place additional orders, please contact our team at EventsMI@Lung.org or call 248-784-2000 and we will place your order and take payment over the phone.

In the past our website has included an online store, but we are now moving forward by contact-to-order only. Thank you for your order!

Yes, they can! Children 7 years and up are welcomed to take on the challenge so long as they are accompanied by an adult. However, all children and Climbers must be capable of completing the event on their own. For example, parents will not be allowed to Climb if they are carrying an infant or toddler.

Yes. We encourage physical activity for everybody, but we recommend speaking with your primary physician before climbing if you are pregnant. This is a very physically challenging event! We have water stops and places to rest along the way as we want to ensure the health and safety of all Climbers.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer secure storage of any items brought to the event, nor are we responsible for the loss of any items. We recommend bringing only what can fit in your runner’s belt and dressing for the occasion / weather.

If you would like to cheer, you will need to register for the event as a Volunteer and request “Route Guide” or “Cheer Squad” as your preferred role. You can then reach out to our team to let us know your Cheer preference so we can put you along the route your peeps are Climbing!

This event takes numerous hardworking and energetic volunteers to make every step count. To sign up as a Volunteer, please click the “Volunteer” tab at the top of our website. Select “Register as a Volunteer” and continue through the registration process. Our volunteer needs can accommodate individual volunteers, as well as groups. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at EventsMI@lung.org.

Definitely! Organizing large events requires many hands to come together, and we encourage everyone to get involved with our Pre-Event Volunteer Opportunities! To learn more, please email Emma.Verlinden@Lung.org or call 248-784-2019. In the weeks leading up to the event, more information will become available on specific volunteer projects and shifts.

Absolutely! We encourage volunteer teams to come together to support Climb Detroit. To do so, select a Team Captain to register a new team that your teammates can join when they sign up. We do our best to ensure that teams can stick together in their roles, locations, and shifts during the event.

A Lead Volunteer is a dedicated individual who has decided to play an important role in managing a station, area, or function of the event to ensure that a) other volunteers know their role, b) functions are running smoothly across the event, and c) everyone is having a great time!

In this role, you’ll receive additional orientation and resources before the event to ensure your success as a Leader among volunteers. To learn more or get involved, please email Emma.Verlinden@Lung.org or call 248-784-2019.

Yes, you can! Feel free to reach out to the Development Team at EventsMI@Lung.org with your team’s name and we can design custom flyers that promote your team and display a QR code directing individuals toward the registration page.

The minimum fundraising requirement is $100 per person. Climbers have until event day to raise the money. Packet Pickup and event participation will only be available for those who met the minimum by the deadline. If for some reason they haven't met the minimum they will be asked to pay before participating.

The registration fee does not count toward the fundraising minimum. But don’t worry, we are here to help, and we have plenty of fundraising ideas and tips to get you started!

Thanks to the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association saves lives by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air. Today, our fight is more important than ever, and 90 cents of every dollar raised by our organization goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

Donations can be sent to the American Lung Association office:

Fight For Air Climb - Detroit
c/o American Lung Association in Michigan
26555 Evergreen Road, Suite 540
Southfield, MI 48076

If you are part of a team, please be sure to include your name and team name.

Many companies will offer to match an employee's contribution to a charitable organization. For questions regarding your company’s matching gift programs, please contact your employer’s HR department or community giving department.  You can also use our company search tool below to see if your employer offers a matching gift program, as well as find information on how to get started.

You can order a limited edition Fight For Air Climb alumni t-shirt, tank or long sleeve when you register. 

Climbing on a team is the best way to enjoy the event. The camaraderie of the shared endeavor is priceless, and it is way more fun reaching the top with friends and family cheering you on.

To form a team, choose Register as Team Captain. Make sure you have a team name in mind: honor a loved one, make it fun or name it after your business — the sky’s the limit!

After you register as a Team Captain, tell your team members to select Register as a Team Member and to search for your team name to join.

Team captains rally friends, family and co-workers to form a team to work together and fundraise for the Climb. Register as Team Captain today!

Yes! Local event managers are here to support Team Captains every step of the way. We also have several online tools for fundraising and team member recruitment. Visit our Fundraising page or contact your event manager.

No, the registration fee and fundraising minimum are per individual. There are no additional fees for creating a team.