The American Lung Association is excited to present the third annual competitive stairclimb, Fight for Air Climb, in Oklahoma City on February 23, 2013. This fun athletic event will challenge participants to climb Cotter Ranch Tower in downtown Oklahoma City. Participants may run or walk each one of the 34 floors on their way to a celebration at the top of Cotter Ranch Tower in the Petroleum Club.

“We are proud of how much the Fight For Air Climb in Oklahoma City has grown since our first year in 2010,” said Michelle Bernth, Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Volunteer Development for the American Lung Association. “If you haven’t tried this event, then this is the year to do it. It’s a perfect challenge for anyone.”

This year’s celebrity climbers are Jeff George, meteorologist at Fox 25, and Daris George from “The Biggest Loser,” Season 9. Jeff George is also the emcee of this year’s Climb.

Stairclimbs are emerging athletic competitions that take participants beyond the average run/walk event. These “vertical marathons” are growing in popularity and Oklahoma City is leading the way by hosting this one-of-a-kind event.  Participants can compete in the Fight for Air Climb as individuals or as teams. All participants will have their time calculated through an electronic chip-timing system. Teams will have the ability to start the race together and support one another during the climb. Water stations and rest floors will be available periodically throughout the climb if needed.

A new component of the event this year will be the addition of “lung champions.” Lung Champions are a special group of people who have been personally affected by lung disease

Climber Jonathan Sacker is one of these champions this year. Sacker is a double lung transplant recipient and he will be taking the stairs to the top of Cotter Tower on February 23.

“Jonathan has battled cystic fibrosis for his entire life and in the spring of 2012, was told he only had days to live,” said Whitney Proctor, Development Manager for the American Lung Association. “He received a double lung transplant in May 2012, and is doing extraordinarily well now.”

Through team sponsorships and donations, Fight for Air Climb participants will support the American Lung Association’s fight against lung disease. Proceeds from Fight for Air Climb will help find cures, protect clean air and promote smokefree kids. The American Lung Association in Oklahoma City has announced a goal of raising $57,000 from this year’s event. This year’s sponsors include Local 157 International Association of Firefighters, Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc., Kimray Inc., Integris Cancer Institute of Oklahoma, Push Pedal Pull, Lopez Foods Inc., Fox 25/CW34, Magic 104.1, Lamar Outdoor Advertising and The Oklahoman.