More than 100 firefighters from Des Moines and across Iowa will climb 66 floors and 1,179 steps as part of a three building stair climb in downtown Des Moines while wearing 80 pounds of full fire turnout gear on Sunday morning, March 16th, as part of the American Lung Association in Iowa’s “2014 Fight for Air Climb.” 

Sixteen firehouses in all, including those from the Adair and Creston Fire and Rescue Departments, as well as the Casey and Winterset Fire Departments, will be represented at the event taking place at the EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower and the Des Moines Marriott Downtown (700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309).

All will climb in honor or memory of a fallen firefighter, loved one, lung disease survivor or to support the Lung Association. In addition, the firehouse with the best finish time will receive the coveted traveling Firehouse Fight for Air Trophy.

Two law enforcement teams will also climb and four local gyms will compete in the Gym and Fitness Center Challenge. They will join thousands of Des Moines area residents and Iowans from across the state. The Fight for Air Climb is a unique fundraising event for the American Lung Association in Iowa. Climbers help improve the lives of patients across the country and locally in Iowa. Ninety cents of every dollar raised goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

For more information, surf to: www.lung.org/pledge-events/ia/des-moines-climb-fy14/