FAQs

Registration

Where can I find all of the important dates and deadlines?
View the Firefighter Stairclimb Key Dates & Deadlines guide for registration dates, waitlist deadlines, packet pickup, division and battalion changes, fundraising milestones, incentive deadlines and more. View Key Dates & Deadlines (PDF)

What is Early Bird Registration? How do I qualify?
Early Bird Registration gives qualifying participants the opportunity to register before General Registration opens.

To qualify, you must have raised $1,800 or more during the previous year’s Firefighter Stairclimb. Eligible participants will receive registration instructions by email before Early Bird Registration begins.

Can I still participate if registration is full?
Yes. Join the waitlist and begin fundraising with your department team.

As climbing spots become available, waitlisted participants are invited based on several factors, including:

• Funds raised
• Registration date
• Personal connection to the mission
• Years of participation

While we work hard to welcome as many waitlisted firefighters as possible, placement cannot be guaranteed.

Is there a fundraising minimum to climb?
Yes. Every participant must raise $500 before climb day.

Can I change divisions after I register?
Yes. If you’d like to switch between the Fire Division and Open Division, complete the Division Change Form before the published deadline.

I can no longer participate, what should I do?
Complete the Swap/Drop Form as soon as possible.

Dropping prior to February 19, 2027

• Check with your Team Captain to see if someone from your team is currently registered on the waitlist and able to take your climbing spot.
  • If your team does not have someone to swap into your spot, please complete the form linked above.
  • If someone is climbing in your place, your fundraising and registration fees cannot be transferred to them.

Dropping after February 19, 2027

• Please note that you will still be responsible for meeting the $500 fundraising minimum in order to remain eligible to climb in 2028.

 

Fundraising

Where can I find fundraising ideas and materials?
Visit the Fundraising Resources page for fundraising guides, social media resources, downloadable materials, Facebook Fundraisers, matching gifts, and more.

What is Elite 35?
Elite 35 recognizes the top 35 individual fundraisers based on fundraising totals as of the published deadline

Elite 35 participants will receive:

• Preferred battalion selection
• Saturday access to reserve team space
• Access to the VIP hospitality area
• A commemorative gift

See the Recognition Program page for complete details.

What is VIP?
Participants who raise $2,800 or more by event day receive:

• Access to the VIP hospitality area
• A commemorative gift

Additional recognition opportunities are available on the Recognition Program page.

Donations

Where does my fundraising go?
Funds raised through the Firefighter Stairclimb support Blood Cancer United’s mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Your fundraising helps support:

• Lifesaving blood cancer research
• Free patient education and support services
• Advocacy for better access to care

What’s the best way to make a donation?
The easiest way to support a participant is by donating through their individual or team fundraising page.

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. Blood Cancer United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible within U.S. tax guidelines

Tax ID: 13-5644916

Online donors automatically receive an email receipt. Donations of $100 or more made by mail receive a mailed acknowledgement for tax purposes.

Does Blood Cancer United accept matching gifts?
Yes. Many employers match charitable donations made by their employees.
Ask your employer if they offer a matching gift program, or visit the Fundraising Resources page to learn more.

Event Day

Can I bring cash or checks on event day?
No. The Firefighter Stairclimb is a cashless event. Please submit any offline donations before event day.

Can friends and family watch me climb?
Yes. Spectators are welcome in the designated viewing area outside Columbia Center. Please note that only registered climbers, volunteers, and approved guests are permitted inside Columbia Center.

Gear & Safety

How do I register a bottle changer?
TEAM CAPTAINS ONLY and SOLO climbers may submit a request.

My team or I do not have a bottle changer, what are next steps?

Complete the bottle change request form and request that you are in need of a volunteer bottle changer.

I have requested volunteer bottle changer, what should I expect day of event?

Check in at loading dock with your bottles at bottle change check in.

I need to borrow SCBA equipment. What should I do?
Traveling teams may reserve loaner SCBA equipment before the published deadline. Thanks to the generosity of 3M, there is not cost to borrow equipment.

How should I label my helmet?
If your helmet shield includes abbreviations or does not clearly identify your department, please add a label before climb day. This helps volunteers quickly identify your department as you exit the stairwell so your bottle changer is ready for you.

Can I bring alcohol to the event?
No. Alcohol is prohibited inside Columbia Center. Participants who violate event policies may be removed from the event and become ineligible for future Blood Cancer United events.

Travel

Are discounted hotel rates available?
Yes. Discount rates available at Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square.

Book with this link to receive group rate. Deadline to book is February 19, 2027.

Is there an airline discount?
Yes. Airline discounts through Alaska Airlines; Discount code: ECMQ386

• Departure City(s) – Any Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air/Hawaiian Airlines Lower 48 city, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico or Central America
• Beginning travel date: March 11, 2027
• Last travel date: March 25, 2027
• Blackout dates: March 18-21, 2027

Teams & Departments

How are battalion assignments determined?
Battalion assignments are published before climb day.

Can I request a different battalion?
Yes. Battalion changes may be requested before the published deadline.

Where can I find my battalion assignment?
Battalion assignments are posted before climb day and available on the Event Day Guide.

How do I request a dedication sign?
Honor a loved one, survivor, or someone you’ve lost to blood cancer by requesting a dedication sign before the published deadline.
Link to dedication sign request form

Can our department recognize someone we’re climbing for?
Yes. Register your Department Honoree before the published deadline so they can be recognized as part of your department’s climb.

Recognition

What do I receive when I complete the Firefighter Stairclimb?
Registered Participants who meet the fundraising minimum receive:

• Event T-Shirt
• Timing chip
• Race bib
• Post-climb refreshments

Additional fundraising recognition and incentives are available through the Recognition Program. QR codes will be located throughout the Columbia Center so participants can easily view results.

Where can I see race results?
Visit the Photos & Race Results page to browse event photos, view past race results, celebrate top finishers, and explore Firefighter Stairclimb history.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help.
Contact us at [email protected].