A few dozen spots remain to participate in the world's longest indoor stair climb, ascending 2,109 steps from the Sears Tower lobby to the 103rd floor Skydeck. Climbers are rewarded with Chicago's best views and the satisfaction of having climbed the tallest building in North America to raise money to support the nation's most brilliant and

creative young scientists dedicated to finding new answers to all forms of cancer.

This event marks only the third time in the 30-year history of Sears Tower that the public has had a chance to climb the stairs of the tallest building in North America.

Go Vertical raises funds for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which has been providing grants to promising cancer researchers since 1946. One hundred percent of the money raised by this event will go directly to fund cancer research.

"I am delighted with the continued success of Go Vertical and its growing reputation as one of the world's best stair climb events.Its great to see the sense of accomplishment on the faces of everyone when they step out onto the Skydeck," said Lorraine Egan, Executive Director

of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. "Over the past two years, as the event has doubled in size, the proceeds raised to support cutting-edge cancer research have also increased tremendously, which is wonderful."

The climb begins at 7:30 a.m. for elite climbers, many of whom will complete the climb in less than 15 minutes. Other runners and walkers will begin climbing at staggered times starting at 7:40 a.m., with the climb concluding around 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Participants may sign up as individuals. Team registration

is closed. The entry fee is $70. So whether you are a veteran to Go Vertical or a first-timer, simply visit the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation at www.cancerresearchfund.org or call (877) 7CANCER to register.

Sponsors for Go Vertical Chicago 2004 include: Abbott Laboratories; Burson-Marsteller; CB Richard Ellis; Ernst & Young; Levy Restaurants; the Sears Tower Club; and Trump Ice.

Founded in 1946, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation identifies extraordinary young scientists and encourages them to commit themselves to ending cancer's devastating legacy. Since its creation, the Foundation has given away more than $150 million to fund the nation's

most promising young cancer researchers. Among the 3,000 researchers who have received funding from the Foundation, 11 have won the Nobel Prize for their work.

The namesake of the Foundation, Damon Runyon, was a legendary journalist and sportswriter in the early 20th Century. Runyon is best known for his "Broadway Stories," which were transformed into the hit musical "Guys and Dolls." After Runyon's death from cancer in 1946, famed journalist and radio personality Walter Winchell took to the

airwaves to raise support for cancer research in memory of his friend.

From that effort, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation was born.

© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com