New Year's Resolutions Sometimes Need a Kick Start: Try Climbing the Rhodes Tower!

COLUMBUS, OH (12/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Kick your New Year's resolutions into high gear with a climb up the Rhodes Tower! Winter workouts don't need to be mundane, and putting a milestone in sight will keep you sticking to your goals during the cold months of winter. A unique endurance event, the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb is 40 flights up the Rhodes Tower on Saturday, February 20th– that's 880 steps! Participants can scale the building individually or as part of a team.

The Lung Association's annual fundraiser has been reaching exhilarating heights in Columbus for over 6 years and is a reminder that breathing should not be an uphill battle, though for the 1,331,000 people in Ohio dealing with lung diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer, it can be. Hundreds of supporters will be climbing for friends and loved ones who suffer from lung diseases, and to raise funds for clean air and lung disease research, education and advocacy.

Elite athletes are also invited to join the Vertical Mile challenge. Climb the Rhodes tower 10 times up and 10 times down to complete a 2 mile loop. Participants in this category can register by contacting Brittany Sinzinger at Brittany.Sinzinger@lung.org. Vertical Mile registration is $75, and a $500 fundraising minimunm.

"This race is truly an exhilarating experience for both running and fitness enthusiasts, as well as our participants that are suffering from a lung disease," said Brittany Sinzinger, Development Manager of the American Lung Association in Ohio. "And is a reminder that no one should have to fight for air on a daily basis."

Area firehouses, including Columbus Local Firehouse 67, will be showing their support at the end of the event by climbing the 40 flights in full firefighter gear – helmet, hood, pants, coat, gloves, boots and air pack – weighing over 45 pounds. Firefighters have an increased risk for lung disease from the exposure to gases, chemicals and smoke in the line of duty.

The American Lung Association in Ohio's 2016 Fight for Air Climb is sponsored by Nationwide Children's. Registration is $35 per participant, or $25 early registration before December 31st. There is also a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information or to register, contact Brittany.Sinzinger@lung.org, (614) 279-1700, or visit www.ClimbColumbus.org.