About This Resource
The Big Climb is an annual charity stair climbing event in Seattle where thousands of participants climb the 1,311 steps of Columbia Center, the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest. The event has been held since the 1990s and raises funds for lung disease research and education through the American Lung Association. Unlike competitive tower running events, The Big Climb welcomes participants of all fitness levels and focuses on personal achievement and fundraising. The event has grown to become one of the largest stair climbing events in the United States, demonstrating how stair climbing combines fitness goals with charitable giving.
