Local runners tackle Oakbrook Terrace Tower
Dave Shafron of Naperville ran up 93 flights of stairs Sunday without even breaking a sweat.
The Tackle the Tower Climb for Clean Air climb at Oakbrook Terrace Tower was a breeze for the area athlete, who's also sped up stairs at the Sears Tower, John Hancock Center and AON Center.
In summertime, the 28-year-old usually runs races and marathons. In cold weather, he runs up buildings' steps.
"It breaks up the routine in the winter," Shafron said. "It's something new."
For the 17th year, more than 600 athletes, company groups, families and friends gathered in Oakbrook Terrace to take on the challenge of climbing the 31-story Oakbrook Terrace Tower.
Enthusiastic people lined up inside the tower and participated in either the Competitive Climb (31 flights); Extreme Climb (62 flights); the Ultimate Climb (93 flights) and a non-competitive 31-flight climb.
Sally Ruecking, vice president of the American Lung Association, said the money raised from each event brings in essential dollars so the organization can fund research to find a cure for asthma and lung diseases.
This year, the climb raised $105,000.
"It's kind of an electric event," she said. "It's purpose is to spread the word that we've got to find a cure for lung disease, and it's a fun way for us to raise money."
Ann Racich, 39, and her fiance Ron Cluxton, 43, both of Palatine, looked forward to the 31-floor hike. Though Racich had done similar activities several times before, this was Cluxton's first time.
Cluxton was passionate about the event because it hit close to home.
"My dad passed away with lung cancer," he said. "This is a great cause."
Kaitlynn Tagney, 20, of LaGrange has friends with asthma and kept them in mind during her climb.
"It doesn't affect me directly, but I know people it does," she said.
While some climbers were passionate about helping the American Lung Association, others just did it for kicks.
Mike Lennard of Chicago participated as part of a contest with a group of coworkers from Microsoft.
"It's no big deal," he said before he did the 62-flight race. "It's like going to the gym and doing something different."