Get Fit with a Charity Stair Climb

If you are interested in fundraising endurance events, add a charity stair climb to your list. You may have considered 5Ks and mud runs, but a step event is a fun alternative to road races during the off season, or when you are simply looking for a new way to fundraise and get fit.

A friend shared how gratifying it was to climb the same event twice, shaving time off her personal record and growing friendships in the process.

Each stair climb has its own spin, but most are designed to raise money for a cause and call for participants to step up dozens of floors, eventually finishing at the top of a tall building. Often, there are a few options for how to get involved. New participants may opt to climb with a motivating group of friends, while a seasoned climber might race to the top on their own, hoping to beat their personal best time.

Finding a Climb

If you are interested, look at a regional list of stair climbs online, like this one from Running in the USA. Or talk to friends, coworkers, and family members to find an event near you. After all, engaging a group can be a meaningful way to take part in a charitable event together. There are a whole host of organizations that organize climbs, from events that raise funds for firefighters to others providing support for cancer research.

Depending on the building, the length of the event can vary. Climbs may range from forty floors, or about eight hundred steps, to one hundred floors, approximately two thousand steps. Physical output differs and so do event rules. So, if you want to get the kids involved, reach out for participation details once you've chosen your event.

As a beginner, your best bet is to start with a well-established charity stair climb. This is optimal because all the details are readily accessible, letting you know exactly how many floors to expect and how many steps you will be asked to train for. Many organizations even provide participants a training plan. Plus, there are event managers ready to walk you through the fundraising materials.

Fundraising for the Event

Once you've committed to an event, set a fundraising goal. Make the first donation yourself, signaling to your circle you are serious about your target number. From there, invite everyone in your network to support your climb, either through sharing a link to your donation page on social media or through personal emails. Then, get creative! You could host a poker night with all funds going toward your stair climb, for instance.

Training for Your Climb

Stair climb training is important. Being prepared will help you avoid injuries and allow you to finish the event feeling invigorated rather than exhausted. Be honest with yourself about your health and fitness. Training is different for every person and every level. Try skipping the elevator and running the stairs at a local football field to get ready for the event.

When you get closer to climb day, you'll need to up your steps. This is when a training plan—either provided by the organization or created on your own—will come in handy. Also, if you look online, you can find workout plans that include inclined treadmill runs, climbing, and stretching for post-workout benefits. Choosing your routines will have a lot to do with your own personal fitness level. Ask your doctor for advice.

Finally, take the climb and support a worthwhile cause. After you have raced to the top and celebrated with friends, remember to thank the donors who helped motivate you and paved the way to a successful event.

Stair climbs are healthy for you and support impactful charities. Inspired by my friend's successes, I will be joining her for her next climb.

Have you completed a stair climb for charity? Tell us about it on Twitter!

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