2,000 Expected to Climb Denver's Tallest Building
DENVER, February 1, 2008 – Name any skyscraper from the Empire State Building to the Sears Tower, and there is usually a stair climbing event held there. The sport is catching on in Denver, too. On Feb. 24, more than 2,000 people are expected to climb the Republic Plaza, the tallest building in the Rocky Mountain West.
The third annual Anthem Run the Republic stair climb benefits the American Lung Association in Colorado. The previous two years’ events were held at the Wells Fargo Center, but the event has found a new, taller home at the Republic Plaza.
“The view of the mountains from 55 floors up is one of the things that makes Denver’s stair climb unique,” said Allison Wilcoxson, special event manager for the American Lung Association in Colorado. “We expect that a lot people will be back this year to take on an even bigger challenge at our taller location.”
Last year’s fastest climber was Ricky Gates, a Boulder athlete who blasted through 47 floors in five minutes, 23 seconds. The oldest participant was 91-year-old Ida Wall of Brighton. Wall, 92, will return this year to take on an even bigger challenge. To accommodate senior athletes like Wall, organizers created three additional award categories for climbers over 70.
Some participants are lung disease patients who climb all 55 floors with 15-pound oxygen tanks strapped on their backs. Roxlyn Cole, a 69-year-old with 55 percent lung function, completed last year’s climb in a little more than 21 minutes.
Anthem Run the Republic raises funds to support the American Lung Association, which has been operating in Colorado since 1908. The Lung Association’s largest local programs include Champ Camp, a summer camp for children with asthma, N-O-T (Not On Tobacco), a smoking cessation program for high school teens, and the Denver Metro Clean Cities Coalition, which promotes clean air and alternative fuel vehicles.
The sign-up fee is $35 per participant, with a $53 suggested pledge minimum ($1 for each floor climbed). The top pledge raisers will be entered in a drawing to win an all-expense paid trip
for two to France. All participants will receive a timing chip, free food and giveaways. Event registration is available online at www.RunTheRepublic.com.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the title sponsor for Run the Republic 2008. Other sponsors include Brookfield Properties, Scottish Re, Republic Financial Corp./Caring Ambassador Program, the Piton Foundation/Gary Williams Energy Corporation, Monster Energy, First Bank of Colorado, SecureHorizons & Evercare program by United Healthcare, Pactimo, JDS Sportcoaching, Sunflower Farmer’s Market, Spicy Pickle, Runner’s Roost, Denver Athletic Club and Colorado Athletic Club.
