FAQs

REGISTRATION FEE 

All participants will be charged a registration fee that will not count towards your fundraising total for incentives. The registration fee is $40 until March 20th but increases to $50 on March 21st until event day. 

  

FUNDRAISING 

Is there a fundraising minimum?
There is no fundraising minimum, but all Big Climb participants are encouraged to fundraise for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission. In 2023, Big Climb participants raised an average of $600. Set your goal and get started today! 

Where do my donations go?
All donations from Big Climb help support the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and to help improve the quality of life of patients and their families. 

When is the fundraising deadline?
To receive a Big Climb Tech T-shirt, you must reach $250 raised prior to the event day. You also have the opportunity to continue to fundraise after the event to further support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure blood cancer. The more you raise, the more you are rewarded. Check out the recognition page for more information. 

  

GENERAL EVENT 

What is the age minimum allowed to climb?
The National guidance is 8 years or older to climb, however we are leaving it up to the parents/guardian’s judgement. All children will be required to climb with an adult. All participants will sign a waiver. No exceptions. 

How do teams work?
When you sign up as a team, you are signing up to climb at the same time slot. Your team captain will submit preferences, when prompted by LLS, for climb times and the whole team climbs during that time. No exceptions. 

When will wave times be assigned?
Wave times will be released the week of April 14th, via email to the team and/or individual. 

Can I change my start time?
If you are not able to climb at your assigned wave time, please arrive early at check-in and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

 

DAY OF EVENT 

 What time does the event start?
The first wave will start at 9:00 am and waves will start every 15 minutes following until 12:00 pm.  

Can I register on event day?
Registration will not be available onsite. Those who wish to participate must register no later than April 19th at 11:59 pm.   

Where can I park?
Participants can park on public streets or park in the Empire State Plaza parking. A map can be found here. 

Can I take public transportation to/from the event?
Big Climb Capital Region is accessible by public transportation. Additional information can be found here.  

What time should I arrive?
We suggest climbers arrive 30-45 minutes before their wave to allow time for check-in and exploring base camp. Please take into consideration the time it will take you to find parking. 

Can I bring anything with me during the climb other than my phone?
Climbers are asked to not carry anything with them during the climb other than their phone. 

Is there a bag check area provided?
Yes, there is a bag check area for those who have a backpack, purse, etc. with them. 

Where do I line up for my climb time?
Announcements will be made 15 minutes prior to your start time. 

How many steps will I be climbing? 
Participants will climb 42 flights of stairs, totaling 809 steps.

Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line?
Your friends and family may wait for you at the registration area. No spectator access will be along the climb route. 

Do I walk back down the stairs?
No, there will be an elevator for all participants to go down from the finish once they have completed the climb. 

Will food be available at the event?
Snacks will be available for all climbers. 

What is the Summit Club?
The Summit Club offers an exclusive experience for climbers who have fundraised $1,000 or more prior to the event. Snacks and beverages at the Observation Deck upon completion of the climb.  

What happens if it rains?
The event is rain or shine.  

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs and other animals are not allowed at the event. 

Are strollers allowed at the event?
Strollers are allowed onsite but will not be allowed on the climb route.