The B.C. Lung Asso-ciation's fifth annual Climb the Wall: The Stairclimb for Clean Air on Feb. 19 was the largest in the event's history.
More than 400 stairclimbers from across the province braved the prospect of hiking up 48 storeys to the highest point in downtown Vancouver to raise money for lung health and clean air programs.
Shaun Stephens-Whale of Roberts Creek was the fastest climber in the event, placing first in a field of over 400 participants. His climb time was an exceptional four minutes and 17 seconds - good enough for the all-time record.
"I'm pretty happy with how things went," Shaun said. "I set up a few strategies before the climb. I didn't want to start first. This way when I passed others they could cheer me on, which they did. That gave me a little bit more energy and motivation. My other plan was to go up slower and finish faster, and that certainly worked."
Shaun has been competing in the event for the past four years.
He said he's always received great support from the community. This year is no exception, as he's already raised more than $2,000.
He said he's still collecting funds until March 17. Anyone wishing to donate can contact him at 604-740-0162.Shaun wasn't the only one to tackle the steps of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel.
The Gibsons and Sechelt fire departments participated in the firefighter challenge against units from across the province.
Sechelt firefighter Dave Yard, hauling more than 60 pounds of gear up the 48 floors, finished 16th overall among firefighters, with an impressive time of eight minutes and 40 seconds.
Randy Landsburg of Gibsons was next in 10:50, followed by fellow teammates Colin Schenk, 11:05, Roland Strong, 11:13, and Dave Atlee, 11:31.
"The climb was a great deal of fun, and all the Gibsons firefighters were glad to participate for such a great cause," said Strong. "It was especially nice to be there when Shaun won the event. We were all proud of his achievement. Some of the other participants said he was like a rocket. We hope to participate again next year, perhaps with even more firefighters."
The Stairclimb for Clean Air, which has raised nearly $400,000 in its history, collected a record-breaking $120,000 this year.
"These stairclimbers are such a dedicated bunch," said Sarah teHennepe, the B.C. Lung Association's special events coordinator. "We had a terrific mix of people young and old; we had firefighters and top-ranked athletes and even people directly impacted by lung disease, including a recovering lung transplant recipient."
Funds raised from the event will go to support the Lung Association's education, research and program efforts devoted to clean air and fighting air pollution.
The B.C. Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health in British Columbia through medical research, education and support for the one in five people suffering from respiratory conditions.
For more information about the Lung Association's annual Stairclimb for Clean Air, visit www.bc.lung.ca.
