343 Firefighters and 3600 Runners Race up John Hancock Center Sunday 2/23/2003
From: Kevin Tynan, 312-268-0225; 312-659-6884 (cell) Liz Zweigle, 312-268-0250; 773-383-7448 (cell) both of the American Lung Association News Advisory: WHO: More than 3,600 runners, including 343 firefighters and 96 corporate teams will "Hustle Up the Hancock", one of the nation's most popular stair climbs. Participants will climb either 94 or 42 floors. WHEN: Sunday, February 23, 2003 starting at 6:59 a.m. WHERE: John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan, Chicago WHY: More than one million people in the Chicago area suffer from some form of lung disease -- 130,000 children and 420,00 adults have asthma. Firefighters have a high incidence of respiratory disease. Proceeds support the American Lung Association's education and research programs including camps for asthmatic children, research on emphysema, and legislative initiatives to reduce air pollution. VISUALS -- INTERVIEWS: -- 343 firefighters in civilian clothes climbing all 94 floors in memory of fallen NY brethren -- Over 3,600 climbers of all ages, sizes and speeds racing to the top of one of the world's tallest buildings -- Climbers running for loved ones who died of lung disease -- CEO of American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago talking about epidemic of asthma -- Representatives from The Hancock Observatory explaining why they support this event |