American Lung Association Calls on Nation to Stair Climb for Clean Air and Healthy Lungs

CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Lung Association announced the official start of Fight For Air Climb season, which centers around 30 premier stair climb events in iconic buildings and stadiums from Los Angeles to New York City to Miami and dozens of cities in-between. Tens of thousands of people participate each year in support of family, friends and neighbors who fight for every breath. The series kicks off on February 22 and runs through May.

The Lung Association's Fight For Air Climbs welcome family teams rallying around a loved one with lung cancer or lung disease, corporate teams looking for a bonding activity, first responder and firefighter teams aiming for some friendly competition and any individual who wants a unique challenge or a chance to give back. The events are designed for every type of climber, from beginners to seasoned athletes. How you climb is up to you: take it fast or take it slow.

"The American Lung Association hosted its first Fight For Air Climb more than 35 years ago, and this trend continues to be a great way for community members, first responders, firefighters and corporate teams to come together, get active and have fun while doing good," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Most importantly, the Fight For Air Climb supports the millions of people nationwide facing lung disease and their families. These events raise critical funds for research into new treatments and cures for lung cancer and lung disease, programs and services that help people live healthier lives, and efforts to create clean air and a tobacco-free future."

Participants of the Fight For Air Climb events experience a vibrant atmosphere, hear inspirational stories and see breathtaking views. For those who aren't able to make an in-person event, the Lung Association offers a "Climb Your Way" option for building a challenge and fundraising in a way that works for the individual. Stair climbing also has significant health benefits. It is a great workout for the lungs and heart, strengthens major muscles and improves balance and coordination.

Joining the Fight For Air Climb supports the work of the Lung Association to end lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families and create a tobacco-free future. Ninety cents of every dollar raised goes directly to research, programming and advocacy.

Registration for the Fight For Air Climb is now open for individuals and teams, which can include friends, families, running clubs, social groups and companies. Use code LOCAL20 for $20 off registration before January 31. For more information and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org.

Here is a list of the 2026 Fight For Air Climbs by state:

• California
  • Los Angeles, February 22
  • San Francisco, April 18
• Colorado
  • Denver, April 25
• Connecticut
  • Hartford, April 25
• Florida
  • Miami, March 1
  • Orlando, March 7
  • Jacksonville, March 21
  • Tampa, April 11
• Illinois
  • Oakbrook (Chicago), March 8
  • Downtown Chicago, April 12
• Indiana
  • Indianapolis, March 7
• Iowa
  • Des Moines, March 29
• Kentucky
  • Louisville, March 29
• Kansas/Missouri
  • Kansas City, MO, March 1
  • St. Louis, March 28
• Massachusetts
  • Boston, March 28
• Michigan
  • Detroit, May 3
• Minnesota
  • Minneapolis, March 7
• Nevada
  • Las Vegas, February 22
• New York
  • New York City, March 21
  • Buffalo, May 9
• North Carolina
  • Charlotte, March 28
• Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma City, March 7
• Ohio
  • Cleveland, March 1
  • Columbus, March 22
  • Cincinnati, April 12
• Pennsylvania
  • Pittsburgh, March 28
  • Philadelphia, April 11
• Rhode Island
  • Providence, April 4
• Wisconsin
  • Milwaukee, March 21

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events. 

American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association 
P: 312-940-7001 C:720-438-8289 E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association