Just Do It

Climb the Tower

by Jesse Delaney

Fitness gurus say that taking the stairs (instead of the elevator) is a simple way to introduce exercise into a busy workday. Or, you can tackle 100 flights of stairs all at once by taking part in the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania's Climb the Tower relay fundraiser.

Approximately 400 participants — ranging from serious athletes to novices and families — are expected to scale the 1,088 steps of the Bell Atlantic Tower to raise money in support of asthma research and prevention programs.

Prizes will be awarded at Top of the Tower, the banquet hall on the 51st floor, to the fastest climbers in age and gender categories. Everyone who participates receives a T-shirt commemorating the inaugural event, but to the fastest go the spoils: Power Bars, muffins and a plethora of other healthy breakfast treats at the finish line. Motivational stations will be available every 10 floors for those in need of a breather. (Elevators will be standing by for you weaklings.)

Read Kristin Pazulski's feature on local stair racer Michael Branca. 

To ensure a pleasant climbing experience, you may want to linger by the registration desk to scope out whose butt you'd most like to stare at during the ascent.

Sat., March 24, 8 a.m., $50, Bell Atlantic Tower, 1717 Arch St., 610-941-9595, www.lunginfo.org.