Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration fee and deadline? For noncompetitive climbers registration is $25 through March 21. For competitive climbers, registration is $35 through March 21. Registration increases $15 on the day of the event.
How many stairs are there? 580 steps for one climb. It doubles that amount for the 50-story climb, and quadruples for the 100-story climb.
How many stories is Step Up? 25, 50 or 100 stories.
Where is the event held? Step Up is held at the Dominion Tower in downtown Norfolk. The address is 999 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510. Click here for a map.
Is parking available? Free parking is available for all event participants and volunteers. The entrance to the parking lot is located on Waterside Drive.
I’m not comfortable with online stuff. What can I do? A: You can download this entry form and use this pledge form instead. Your donors can also send a check, payable to The Up Center, to: Jessica Oulahan, The Up Center, 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23322. Make sure they put “Step Up” and your name in the memo line for proper crediting. Paper registration forms must be received by March 20th at the latest. After that date, please bring you form to the event for on-site registration at an additional cost.
How long will Step Up take? This depends on each participant’s fitness level, speed and the amount of time spent at the midway water station. Top racers may finish in as little as two minutes for the 25 story race, while the average participant may take about 10-20 minutes to finish.
Are water stops available on the route? Yes, we have designated water stops at the 13th and 25th floors. There will also be water on the 1st floor.
When will I receive my start time? Competitive events start at pre-assigned time; non-competitive start times will be emailed the week before the event.
How are start times assigned? Start times for noncompetitive participants will be mainly based on the order entry forms are received. Other considerations may include requests to climb at the same time as a participant in the competitive category. Competitive races will be assigned based on the race you have registered for: 100 floors go first, then 50, then 25, along with answers to the question: Estimate how long it would take you to run a mile
.
A general timeframe is as follows:
9 a.m.-100 story competitors
10 a.m. - 50 story competitors
11a.m.-25 story competitors.
Can I change my non-competitive start time? Changes to start times should be made at least 2 days prior to race day. Late requests will be made based on availability on race day.
How will competitive teams be placed?
The times of the four top competitors on a team will be averaged to place teams. If there are less than four competitors, all the times will be used to calculate an average.
Will I receive an event T-shirt? Yes. All participants receive an event T-shirt during check-in.
Can I buy additional event t-shirts? No. All participants will receive an event T-shirt at check-in, but no additional t-shirts will be available for purchase. We will be selling Step Up hats at the event.
What time should I arrive? Check in 30-45 minutes prior to your assigned start time. Please take in to consideration the time it will take you to find parking.
My friend is being timed, but I want to walk without being timed. Can we still have the same start time? Yes. Please note you can have the same start time, but you will be in two different stairwells. You will both end up at the same finish line and may continue to the other festivities together.
Can we practice at the building before the event? Only participants in our authorized Warm Up training sessions can practice at Dominion Tower. Other participants may not practice in the building. Due to safety, security and liability reasons, we cannot allow anyone in the stairwells before the event begins.
Are there rules for passing? Climbers are asked to pass on the right and to notify other climbers when passing. Please say "PASS" or "PASSING". For planning purposes, please note the stairs wind counter clockwise.
Will photos be taken? Finish line photographs will be available for purchase. Other photographers for The Up Center and possibly the media may be taking photos as well.
Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line? No. Due to space limitations, no spectators are allowed at the finish line. Friends and family are welcome to wait at the festivities area in the lobby.
Can I bring anything up the tower? No backpacks of any sort are allowed. Pets are also prohibited unless the animal is an approved facility dog. (Please notify us if you plan to use a facility animal). You may wear headphones, but be conscious of other climbers and volunteers while in the stairwells. Please make sure your radio, MP3 or CD player is worn with a proper exercise carrier .
Is there a bag check area provided? There will be a free bag check area for personal items on the atrium level. Bags must be small enough to fit in a regular brown shopping bag.
One of my team members will not be able to compete after all, can I swap in another team member in his/her place? Yes - if the change is made at least two days prior to the race. Please note that each team member participating must fill out a registration form and waiver form.
Can I register other people online, beside myself?
Yes--However all registration information for each participant must be provided and each adult participant must sign a waiver. A parent or guardians must sign waivers for participants under the age of 18.
How do I cancel my registration?
Please contact Jessica Oulahan at 757-965-8649 or jessica.oulahan@theupcenter.org to cancel your registration. Refunds for registration fees will be provided. No refunds will be available after March 21. Please note that no fundraising donations will be refunded.
What if I cannot finish?
Climbers who run into difficulties can exit the race at the 13th floor. In case of Emergency, you CAN EXIT AT ANYTIME with the help of a volunteer stationed in the stairwell.
Any health considerations?
Please note the health considerations noted in the liability waiver. It is recommended that asthmatics have their inhalers at the event since the stairwells can be dusty.
Is there a fundraising minimum? No.
How much do I have to raise to have access to the VIP room?
Fundraisers who raise $500 or more will be able to enjoy the VIP room. This VIP zone will have food, drinks, a massage therapist, and other perks. Donations must be received by March 19 to qualify.
When is the pledge collection deadline? Donations can made anytime up to 2 weeks after the event (April 6th) to qualify for fundraising prizes. Offline donations can be mailed to Jessica Oulahan, The Up Center, 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517. You may also bring any offline donations to the event on March 25. You can earn great incentives based on the amount you raise. Don't forget to ask your donors if their company has a matching gift program. This can double or triple your donations without any additional work. Please see our fundraising page.
How are team donations handled? Total of all donations to your fundraising team qualify you for the team fundraising prize. Individual within the fundraising team are eligible for the top individual fundraising prize.
How do my donors get tax receipts? Online donors automatically receive a tax receipt immediately after donating. Offline donors who provide their address will receive a thank you letter that may be used for tax receipt purposes.
When can I pick up my prizes?
All prizes that are either unavailable at the event or are not picked up during the event will be at The Up Center's corporate office between March 26 - April 30. The office is located at 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517. Prizes that may require pick up will likely include larger ticket items for higher level donors since these items will be ordered when all donations are received.
How can my youth group benefit from Step Up?
Not-for-Profit youth groups, ranging from sports teams to bands, can raise money for Step Up for The Up Center. The proceeds raised will be split evenly between The Up Center and the youth group. Youths must be aged 8-17 to participate in youth fundraising.
How will the donations be handled?
The Up Center will handle all online donations. Please ensure that donors list what youth group they would like to support. Once all donations are received, a check will be sent to the youth group leader designated as the recipient. For offline donations, please send your proceeds to The Up Center and we will send a check for your portion to your youth group. Donations may be mailed to Jessica Oulahan at: The Up Center, 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517. Deadline for donations is April 6th.
Are youth groups eligible for fundraising prizes?
Yes, youth groups are eligible for prizes. However, only the portion of proceeds benefitting The Up Center will be counted for prize consideration. For more information, please visit our prizes page.
