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 but increases to $50 one-month pre-event.

 

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 Blood Cancer United 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 Blood Cancer United: 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 Blood Cancer United’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 Blood Cancer United, 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 times does the event start and end?	7AM – 2PM
When will wave times be sent to participants?	Climb times will be sent out to participants a week before the climb.
Where can participants and spectators 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.
Is the event accessible via public transportation?	Public transportation is available and our venue is accessible via 4th and 5th avenue!
How many floors will be climbed?	69
How many total steps will be climbed?	1311
What happens if it rains?	Our event is completely inside!
Can climbers bring anything, other than their phones, with them during the climb?	On event day, the first floor of the Columbia Center will have FREE Bag Check! 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.
Is there a bag check area?	On event day, the first floor of the Columbia Center will have FREE Bag Check! There will be 5 water stops throughout the race, so bringing a water bottle is not necessary, but feel free to bring one if needed. Please drop off all items at bag check before your start time to avoid being sent back down with your items.
Is anything other than water available at water stops?	Snacks are available after the climb in our recovery area!
How will climbers get down from the top of the building/stadium?	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.
What happens if someone can’t finish the climb?	If you are unable to finish the climb, you will still receive a medal and will be escorted down to the 4th floor to fuel up and recover.
What is the process if someone does not receive their recognition items on site?	Please reach out to local staff if you cannot pick up your recognition items in person.
Where can family members wait for their climbers?	No. 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.
Will there be a Kid Zone or other activities for spectators?	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.
Will food be available at the event?	Food will be available for purchase in the surrounding area.
Are any of the following allowed at the event?	Strollers, Wheelchairs
What are the details of your Summit Club?	Summit club/ VIP area is located on the second floor of the Columbia Center. Summit Club 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.
How would you describe your event?	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 22, 2026
Is there anything else participants need to know about the event?	To submit a dedication sign for our event, please submit your information here. Please complete this form each year you participate.
Do you need volunteers?	We would love for you, your friends, and your family to join us at the event as one of the many dedicated volunteers that make this incredible event possible. To get started, visit our online volunteer platform: Volunteer Blood Cancer United (formerly VolunteerLLS). Once there, you will be able to create your volunteer profile and sign up for your preferred volunteer shift(s). We’re so grateful to have you on board and look forward to working together to make this year’s Firefighter Stairclimb a huge success! If you have any questions, please contact Alexa Umana at [email protected].