SLT Captain Asbury climbs 69 flights of stairs in Seattle fundraiser

It was a task most wouldn't think of attempting, climbing 69 flights of stairs in the fastest time possible. If that weren't enough of a vigorous endeavor, attempt the climb in full firefighting gear and breathing apparatus.

That's 1,356 steps and 788 vertical feet in the second tallest building west of the Mississippi. All accomplished by carrying an 50-60 pounds of extra weight, and all in the name of charity.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain Leslie Asbury did just that during the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb at the Columbia Center in Seattle, Washington on March 12. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year over 1,900 firefighters from over 330 different departments and 5 different countries participated and brought in a record $2.3 million dollars for blood-cancer research and patient services.

They raise the money through registration fees and donations the participants gather prior to the event. Everyone must raise at least $300 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to participate (they are also the group who's participants raise money and circle Lake Tahoe on bikes each year).

"It was a fun weekend because there is a gathering of 2000 firefighters from around the world who meet and compete," said Capt. Asbury.

She said this was her third visit to Seattle to run the race. She placed 4th in her age group and bettered her time last year by completing the race in 24 minutes, 32 seconds. Last year she had been just one week out of a cast after suffering a broken ankle when running in the race.

Captain Asbury got started in the event when a friend in a neighboring fire department invited her to participate.

The 14.5 year veteran of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue said she hopes to compete again next year.

"Well done Captain Asbury," said SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston on a Facebook post.