Event Details & FAQs

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

What is the LLS Firefighter Stairclimb?
The LLS Firefighter Stairclimb is the world’s largest on-air stair climb competition, exclusively for career, volunteer, and retired firefighters. Participants commit to raising a minimum of $300 per person for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and ascend the Columbia Center in Seattle—69 flights, 1,356 steps, and 788 feet of vertical elevation gain—all while wearing full gear and on-air.

This year marks our 35th anniversary, celebrating decades of grit, unity, and impact. Since 1991, the event has raised over $28 million for blood cancer research, patient support, and advocacy.

When and where is the event?
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Location: Columbia Center, 701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA
Doors Open: 6:00 AM PT
Opening Ceremonies: 7:30 AM PT
First Battalion Starts: 8:00 AM PT
Final Battalion Starts: TBD

FUNDRAISING & PACKET PICKUP

What is the fundraising requirement?
All participants must raise a minimum of $300 to pick up their race packet and participate in the climb.

When and where can I pick up my race packet?
Skip the lines on climb day! Packet Pickup will take place on Friday, March 7th 16:00 – 20:00 PT AND Saturday, March 8th from 09:00-16:00 PT. The location will be shared soon!

What do I need to pick up my packet?
All participants must meet the $300 fundraising minimum to receive their race packet. Your packet includes a wristband, which must be worn to enter Columbia Center on event day.

EVENT SCHEDULE & ACCESS

What is schedule for event day?
The schedule is being finalized. Please revisit this page to check for updates.

Where do I enter the building on event day?
This information is being finalized. Please revisit this page to check for updates.

Who is allowed inside Columbia Center?
This is a closed event. Only the following individuals are permitted inside:

Participants who have met the fundraising minimum
Volunteers
Registered honorees
Staff

Wristbands will be checked upon entry.

SPECTATORS & PARKING

Can friends and family watch the event?
Yes! Spectators are welcome to watch from the Spectator Viewing Area on 5th Avenue, in front of Columbia Center’s main entrance. This area is tented and features:

A live stream of the finish line
Coffee & food trucks

Where can I park?
Free parking is available in the Columbia Center garage (entrance on Columbia Street).

FIRE VS. OPEN DIVISION

Fire division: Full structural gear (boots, pants, coat with liners, helmet). Hoods are not worn, gloves are optional. SCBA must be worn and used for the entire climb.
Open division: Any athletic apparel and shoes (recommended), plus a helmet. SCBA must be worn and used for the entire climb.

What do I need to know about gear check?
Before entering the stairwell, all participants must pass through Gear Check. All gear must be clean—no exceptions.

What are the requirements for the fire division?
Fire Division participants must complete the course in full structural gear, including:

Boots
Pants
Coat (liners intact)
Helmet

Hoods are not worn, and gloves are not required. Breathing apparatus must be worn and used every step of the course.

What are the requirements for the open division?
Open division participants may wear any athletic gear and shoes, but must wear their helmet. Breathing apparatus must be worn and used every step of the course.

FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS

How can I increase my fundraising impact?
Many companies offer matching gifts for employee donations! This can double or triple your donation at no extra cost.

Step 1: Check if your employer participates: Matching Gifts
Step 2: Submit a matching gift request through your company’s intranet.
Step 3: Complete a Workplace Giving Request Form to expedite the match being credited to your fundraising.

Can I link my fundraising page to Facebook?
Yes! Participants who connect their fundraising page to Facebook raise 5X more on average. Follow these instructions to ensure Facebook donations count toward your total. Do not link your fundraiser to Instagram, as Instagram donations do not sync with your page.

How will LLS help me succeed?
We provide tools, templates, social resources, and step-by-step guides to make fundraising easier. Plus, local Firefighter Stairclimb staff are ready to support you every step of the way—so you can focus on climbing and making the biggest impact for blood cancer patients and their families.

SAFETY & RULES

Can I bring alcohol to the event?
No. Alcohol is prohibited inside Columbia Center. If you are caught with alcohol:

Your wristband will be confiscated
You will be removed from the event
You will be banned from future LLS Firefighter Stairclimbs

How should I label my gear?
If your helmet shield includes abbreviations or lacks a legible department name, you must label it for identification. Volunteers will call out your department name as you exit the stairwell to ensure your bottle changer recognizes you.

Review our Helmet Guidelines here.

Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.

Learn More About LLS