Climber FAQ's

1. What is a stair climb?

A stair climb is a unique event testing ones physical strength, stamina and lung power. On January 28, 2012, hundreds of people will take to the inside staircase of the Lexington Financial Center. In 15 second intervals, participants will race the clock and climb to the 30th floor. Participants vary in athletic ability and can climb as fast or as slow as they want. Everyone must reach the 30th floor within 45 minutes.

2. What is the age minimum to climb?

Every participant must be at least 13 years old on race day. A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver prior to climb day for each minor.

3. Is there a registration fee?

Yes. The fee for individual registration is $45. Public safety officials (firefighters, police, and military) are offered a discounted fee of $30. Discount codes are available for high school and college students and Urban Active members. Please call Tamara Deckard at 859-425-2592 for the student codes and your Lexington Urban Active gym for the membership code. Proof of student status will be required to pick up your race packet.

4. How many floors/flights/stairs are there?

There are 29 floors, 58 flights, and 638 stairs. Climbers will ascend approximately 350 vertical feet from the ground floor to the finish line. Due to the omission of the 13th floor in Lexington Financial Center, there are only 29 floors to climb. The finish line, however, is located on the 30th floor.

5. What time does the event start?

The first climbing group will begin at 8am.

6. What time should I arrive?

Participants should plan to arrive 45 minutes before their assigned start time.

7. When will I know my start time?

You will receive your start time when you pick up your race packet during the designated packet pick-up dates. All start times will also be posted on this website the week before the race.

8. Where can I park?

Free parking is available in the parking garage adjacent to the Lexington Financial Center. The garage may be entered either from Vine Street or Main Street. Free parking will also be available at all downtown meters.

9. What should I wear?

Climbers should wear comfortable clothes that are normal for exercising: shorts, tank tops, socks and appropriate running shoes/sneakers. Please keep in mind that the stairwell is inside and can get a bit warm.

10. What do I do with my personal belongings?

There will be a free bag and coat check located inside the lobby. A volunteer will be on site for added security of personal belongings. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. We also suggest leaving personal items with a friend or family member or locking them in the trunk of your vehicle.

11. How will I be timed?

All registered participants will be timed using a timing chip that will strap to your wrist. You will turn this timing chip in at the conclusion of the race. Local timing company 3 Way Racing will be doing the timing utilizing their Jaguar Timing System. The system will capture your finishing the time on the 30th floor and calculate your overall time based on when you started the race in the lobby.

If you prefer, you may walk up the stairwell at your own pace. Please keep in mind that you must reach the top or leave at one of the bail-out points within 45 minutes. Slower climbers must stay to the right of the stairwell and allow faster climbers to pass on the left.

12. Where can I see my results?

Timing results will be displayed when you reach the finish line on the 30th floor and also on a screen in the main lobby. They will also be posted by age group on our website following the race. In addition, when completing your registration form, you have the option to send a text message with your finish time to yourself or friend/family member.

13. Does everyone go up the stairs at once?

Climbers will begin one at a time in 15 second intervals. You will need to climb in bib number order at your pre-assigned start time. Every participant must be registered with a bib number to be eligible to climb.

14. What do I do if I want to pass someone?

It is ok to pass climbers in front of you. Please be courteous and let the climber ahead of you know you are passing on the left. A slower climber should move to the right and let the faster climber by on the left.

15. Will there be water?

Yes. Each bail-out point will have water available. Bailout points are located on the 7th, 12th, 19th, and 25th floors. Water will also be available in the lobby as well as at the finish line on the 30th floor.

16. What if I need to stop?

There are rest stops on the 7th, 12th, 19th, and 25th floors if you need to stop to use the restroom, get water, or take the elevators down to the lobby. Volunteers and medics will be stationed at each rest stop.  We ask that you stop only on these designated floors if at all possible unless you need medical attention.

17. Where are the bathrooms?

Bathrooms will be located on the ground floor; at the rest stops on the 7th, 12th, 19th, and 25th floors; and at the finish line on the 30th floor.

18. Where can I go to stretch?

Most people know to stretch before a work out, but stretching is one of the most important things you can do after exercise as well. Beth Atnip of Swim Bike Run of Kentucky is a Level 2 USA Triathlon Certified Coach who will lead stretching and warm down exercises on the 2nd floor. We encourge everyone to participate in these stretches after your climb. Stretching after exercise allows your muscles to rebuild and relax, speeds circulation to joints and tissues, improves mental sharpness, and helps remove unwanted waste products which reduces muscle soreness and stiffness.

19. What if I need medical assistance?

There will be medical staff on-site during the climb. If you need help, tell a volunteer in the stairwell to reach the emergency medical staff.

20. Can I wear my I-Pod/Headphones?

No. Personal belongings are not permitted in the stairwell to ensure the safety of every climber.

21. Can I carry water with me while I climb?

No. Water will not be permitted in the stairwell. Spilled liquids can be hazardous to climbers.

22. Can my family/friends meet me at the top?

There is limited space at the top of the building. Only participants, volunteers, and staff will be allowed past the main lobby.

23. Will there be an awards ceremony?

Yes. The awards ceremony will take place immediately after the completion of the last heat of climbers. Awards will be given to the fastest male and female overall, the fastest male and female public safey official, and fastest male and female in each age group. Age group categories are 13-17, 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-75, 76+.

24. Do I get a t-shirt?

Yes. Each registered participant will receive a long-sleeve, dry-fit t-shirt with their race packet. If you do not attend any of the packet pick-up days, you may pick yours up on event day at the check-in table.

25. When do I get my bib?

If you have pre-registered, you will pick up your bib and race packet during packet pickup or at the check-in table on race morning. Timing chips will be picked up either at a pickup location or on race morning at the check in table.

26. Can I register the day of the Climb?

Currently, we will not offer registration on race day. All participants must be registered by 11:59pm on January 25, 2012.

27. Is this a fundraiser?

A portion of all proceeds from registration fees will be donated to University of Kentucky College of Communications and to Downtown Lexington Corporation Foundation. Participants are not required to actively fundraise beyond the entry fee.

Still have questions? Contact Tamara Deckard at (859) 425-2592 or email tamara@downtownlex.com.