PNC Park hosting American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb

Competitors can make like a PNC Park hot dog vendor by scaling the steps of the Pittsburgh baseball stadium during the March 19 Fight For Air Climb, hosted by the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania.

Now in its 16th year, the local fundraising event joins 41 others across the United States to support lifesaving research, local programs and advocacy to end lung disease.

Event time is 9-11 a.m. in the park at 115 Federal St. in the North Shore.

The climb traditionally took place indoors in the stairwells of the JLL Center Tower 260 in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, said Steve Gillis, development director for the American Lung Association of Central and Western Pennsylvania.

It went virtual in 2020, and went outdoors for the first time in 2021 in Joe Walton Stadium at Robert Morris University in Moon, due to pandemic-related safety reasons.

This will be the first time it is held in PNC Park.

Climbers will take more than 1,077 steps in PNC Park’s lower bowl. Options are available for every type of climber, age 8 and older, including special categories for GORUCK, Elite Climbers, law enforcement members and firefighters.

The Lung Association also offers a “Climb Your Way” virtual option for those who can’t attend in person.

For the new GORUCK division, participants carry a weighted rucksack or backpack to compete for top place in the division.

Presenting sponsor MSA Safety will cover registration fees for the first 100 firefighters who sign up using the “THANKSMSA” code at registration.

In non-covid years, the climb typically attracts between 375 and 450 participants of all ages and fitness levels, including individuals and families, along with corporate and emergency personnel teams.

“Our oldest climber was about 74, and he participated with ease,” Gillis said.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Awards are given in team and individual categories, including age groups. Information on awards is available on the event website.

Registration is $35 per person, with a $100 minimum fundraising requirement. The fundraising goal for the event is $110,000.

Covid-19 safety protocols will include in-person spatial distancing, basic entryway health screening, sanitation protocols and face masks on-site. For more information or to register, visit fightforairclimb.org/pittsburgh.