Climb and Run for Wilderness is Alberta Wilderness Association's annual Earth Day event at the Calgary Tower. This event provides you the unique opportunity to climb the 802 stairs inside the Calgary Tower. The day is filled with entertainment, including an outstanding Wild Alberta Expo where you can learn more about Alberta's wilderness, wildlife and wild waters. You will have a terrific time and be eligible for outstanding prizes.

The athletic events are divided between the individual climbs, team climbs, and the individual Run for Wilderness. People of all ages, individuals and teams are welcome to participate. If you are aged 2 to 102 this is your Earth Day event.

The 2012 event marks the 21st annual Climb and 10th annual Run for Wilderness!

We have online payment for both registration and sponsorship.

Individual Climb 

• All climbers start at the base of the Calgary Tower.
• Those competing for multiple climbs should be prepared for the start time of 8:30 AM. You will have five hours to complete as many climbs as you can.
• For each climb to count, it must be checked off at the start gate by a designated staff member when you pass by on the way into the tower. It is your responsability to ensure that your name is checked off every time you pass by — unrecorded climbs cannot be included retroactively.
• For those who will not compete for multiple climbs but want to climb more casually, the start time available is 8:30 AM as well. You can however, start any time through the day with the last climber being allowed into the stairwell at 1:30 PM.
• Registration forms are available here.

Team Climb 

Take the challenge!

Corporations, schools, clubs, sports groups, families and friends — register four climbers as a team and compete for great team prizes. If your team raises the most sponsor money, you and your team mates will WIN A FABULOUS PRIZE!

• Team members start climbing at 8:30 AM. You will have five hours to complete as many climbs as you can.
• For each climb to count, it must be checked off at the start gate by a designated staff member when you pass by on the way into the tower. It is your responsability to ensure that your name is checked off every time you pass by — unrecorded climbs cannot be included retroactively.
• A team is defined as 4 members.
• Entry fee is $500.00 (Fee waived with sponsor donations of $500.00)
• Team captain is responsible for registering the team; individual team members must still sign the waiver (see below).
• Each member of your team is required to complete and submit a single team member registration form, including signing the waiver. (This can be done online.)
• Please feel free to contact our office at (403) 283-2025, or awa.c4w@shaw.ca.
• Get your sponsors to pledge your achievements online — click here for direct payment.
• Teams receive limited edition lapel pins and t-shirts.
• A team photo will be posted on the C4W website.
• An opportunity to compete for outstanding prizes!
• Teams must pre-register to compete for the multiple climb competition.

Run for Wilderness 

This is a timed event. You will have your results available within the hour after the race. Timing for the event is provided by Gord's Running Store and Springbok Consulting. It is a great race season warm-up and you will race with some of the best for 1km and then ascend the 802 stairs of the Calgary Tower. You'll have lots of fun and there are outstanding prizes for race winners in more than one category!

• The course is a 1km race around the base of the tower, followed by an 802 stair climb up to the finish line at the top.
• The race starts at 8:00 AM sharp.
• Racers must pre-register due to the early start time for the race.
• Package and bib pick-up is from April 16 until April 19 at the AWA office.