FAQs

At 788 feet of vertical elevation, the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle is one of the tallest buildings west of the Mississippi. It takes 69 floors, or 1,311 steps, to reach the highly acclaimed Sky View Observatory with breathtaking views of the entire Puget Sound region. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb event raises money through individual and team fundraising, sponsorship and entry fees which is then invested in its mission to fund blood cancer research and support services for patients and their families. In 2018, the Big Climb raised a record-breaking $3,007,080. Big Climb Seattle will be taking place on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

 

REGISTRATION FEE

Registration is FREE for all participants up to 30 days before your event. After the 30-day mark, registrants pay $50 to make the Big Climb experience special in every city – separate from your fundraising.

 

FUNDRAISING

Is there a fundraising minimum?
Big Climb’s fundraising commitment is $150 for adults and $50 for kids and teens. As Big Climbers are a committed crew, we know your passion will get you to the threshold in no time. And LLS will be there with tools to help you at every step. Get started today!

Where do my donations go?
All donations from Big Climb help support the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: to cure all blood cancers and improve the quality of life for 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 your raise, the more you are rewarded. Check out the recognition page for more information.

 

GENERAL EVENT

What is the age minimum allowed to climb?
All participants must be 8 years of age on the day of Big Climb. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

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.

Can I change my start time?
No. All start times are final. No exceptions.

 

DAY OF EVENT 

What time does the event start?
The event doors will open at 7:00 am and stay open until 3:00 pm. 

Can I register on event day?
Registration will be available onsite starting from 5:00 am until 2:00 pm. Those who register in person may have to wait for an available wave time and may have to climb separately from requested participants or teams.    

Where can I park?
Parking is FREE for all event participants and volunteers at the Columbia Center. The entrance to the parking lot is located on Columbia Street, between 4th and 5th Avenues. Please be aware that you may be directed to another overflow parking garage nearby. 

Can I take public transportation to/from the event?
Public transportation is available, and our venue is accessible via 4th and 5th avenue! 

Can I bring anything with me during the climb other than my phone?
Backpacks, fanny packs, etc. are NOT allowed in the stairwells. Please drop off all items at bag check before your start time to avoid being sent back down with your items. There will be 5 water stops throughout the climb, so bringing a water bottle is not necessary, but feel free to bring one if needed. 

Is there a bag check area provided?
Yes, the first floor of the Columbia Center will have FREE Bag Check! Please drop off all items at bag check before your start time to avoid being sent back down with your items. 

What time should I arrive?
30-45 minutes prior to your assigned start time. Please take into consideration the time it will take you to find parking. 

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 1,311 steps. 

Where are water stops?
There will be 5 water stops placed throughout the Columbia Center. 

Will food be available at the event?
Snacks are available after the climb in our recovery area. There will also be food available for purchase in the surrounding area. 

Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line?
Due to space limitations, no spectators are allowed at the finish line. Friends and family are welcome to wait at the Atrium level and watch participants on Facebook Live. 

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. Summit Club is located on the second floor of the Columbia Center and is where our top teams and participants will receive special gifts, catered food, and a designated area for their team to gather and hang out on event day. 

What do I do when I’m done climbing? 
After crossing the finish line, you will be able to take in 360° views of the Puget Sound at the newly renovated Sky View Observatory before going to the 4th floor to fuel up and recover. 

How can I submit a dedication sign?
To submit a dedication sign for our event, please submit your information here. This must be completed even if you have submitted a dedication sign in years prior. 

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