FAQ
Seattle's Most Iconic Climb returns Sunday, September 29, 2024!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How high is the climb?
832 steps, 98 flights of stairs, 520 feet in the air.
Are the stairs indoor or open-air?
Open-air! There are two separate staircases spiraling upward, each with 360-degree views all the way to the top
Do I have to climb back down after I reach the top?
No. Once you reach the 520’ Observation Deck, you will take an elevator back down.
Can I climb the Space Needle more than once?
Yes. For an additional $25 donation per climb, you can climb the stairs as many times as you would like during the event! Once you complete your first climb, visit the Multiple Climbs Check-In tent to pick up a new bib and return your previous one. You will need a new bib for each additional climb and must return the previous one. If you would like to keep all your bibs, please see a volunteer at the Multiple Climbs Check-In tent after your last climb to return them to you. We will hang on to them until the event ends at 3:00PM.
What should I wear?
Our staircases are open-air, so please dress as if you were going for a run or walk outside (always factor in event day’s weather conditions). Participants who register by Thursday, August 1 are guaranteed a Base 2 Space t-shirt.
Will there be medical personnel on the stairs in case of emergency?
Yes. There will be a team of medical staff on duty to assist in case of an emergency.
How are start times assigned? What are my options for pace?
All climbers will select their own start time during registration! We have two open-air staircases that lead to the top. During all waves, one staircase will be designated for runners and races, and one staircase will be for walkers and casual climbers.
How many people are in the stairs at once?
We release individual climbers into the stairs to start their climb every 10 to 15 seconds. Climbers usually remain somewhat spaced out; climbers are asked to stay on the left (i.e. closer to the view) when not passing each other (pass on the right, closer to the core).
Can I change my start time/wave?
Yes. After you register you can manually change your start time/wave (based on availability) by logging into your RunSignUp account and clicking manage registration. The deadline to switch your start time/wave is Thursday, August 1.
What if I get partway up and decide I do not want to climb all the way to the top?
No worries, there will be a clearly marked exit point at 100 feet. Once you pass this exit point, you are committed to climbing the full distance to the 520-foot Observation Deck.
Can I carry a small child, bring a backpack and/or bring pets?
Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate and must independently climb the staircase; you are not allowed to carry anyone (including any type of baby carrier or sling). Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. Backpacks are not allowed in the staircase; bag check will be available. Pets are also not allowed in the stairwells.
How long does it typically take to complete the climb?
This depends on each participant’s fitness level and speed. Top climbers finish in as little as four to seven minutes, while the average participant takes 20-30 minutes to finish.
Do I need to train for this event?
While this is not a race, you should be capable of completing 20-30 minutes of intense exercise. You can walk the stairs and take breaks along the way if necessary.
Are there awards?
Trophies will be given to the overall fastest male, female, and non-binary climbers. Base 2 Space will also award trophies to the fastest male, female, and non-binary climbers in the following age categories: 8-10, 11-13, 14–17, 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80+. The top 10 individual fundraisers, plus two participants chosen at random will have the opportunity to participate in a special event at the Space Needle in 2025 (must be over 18 to qualify).
Do I have to stay until the end of the event to receive my award?
The top overall fastest male, female, and non-binary climbers will be announced after the Elite Wave. If you want to be considered for this award, sign up for the Elite Wave (7:30AM-8:00AM). If you sign up for a different wave time but decide you would like to participate in the Elite Wave, check in at the registration tent on climb day (September 29) by 7:00am and we will change your registration. Trophies for the fastest male, female, and non-binary climbers in the age groups listed above will be announced after the final wave ends (3:00PM). You do not need to be present to accept the award, and we will contact all age group winners after the climb.
Will I receive a medal upon finishing?
Yes. Climbers who complete the stair climb will receive a Base 2 Space medal. Note: Only those registered by August 1 are guaranteed a medal, but we expect to have medals for all finishers.
Can I hang out at the top of the Space Needle after I climb?
Yes! After the climb, enjoy the view from the indoor and outdoor observation deck, and The Loupe, the world's first and only revolving glass floor. When you are ready to exit, take the elevator down to the base.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
When is the registration deadline?
Online registration is open through Friday, September 27 at 11:59pm PT. After that time, all registration will be in-person on climb day (Sunday, September 29) starting at 6:30am on-site only.
How old do I need to be to climb?
Anyone 8 and older can climb, but children 10 and under must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.
How much does it cost to register?
Registration is $90, however, if you register by May 31, it is only $76. Participants who register on April 29 - April 30 will receive the Diamond Birthday rate of $62 (rate ends at 11:59PM, April 30).
*Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Additionally, every registered climber commits to a fundraising minimum of $200, all of which goes toward life-saving cancer research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fee goes toward Base 2 Space operational costs and the Space Needle Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to investing in innovative ideas and approaches that elevate our collection future. The Space Needle Foundation is committed to supporting organizations who are at the forefront of transforming the future and who make a positive difference in the Puget Sound region. As a registrant, you will receive an official Base 2 Space t-shirt and more on the day of the event. To guarantee that you receive a t-shirt, participants must register by Thursday, August 1, and meet your fundraising minimum of $200.
Is my registration fee tax deductible?
$25 dollars of your registration fee is tax deductible.
Does my registration fee count toward my $200 fundraising minimum commitment?
No. Your registration fee will go toward underwriting the event and supporting the Space Needle Foundation.
When is the fundraising deadline?
The fundraising deadline is October 31, 2024. Your minimum fundraising commitment of $200 is due at the time you check-in at the registration tent on event day. You will not be able to climb the stairs until you have reached the $200 minimum.
Any additional fundraising contributions above the $200 minimum must be postmarked or submitted electronically by Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59PM.
What if I have a company match that was submitted before the Sunday, September 29 deadline, but has not yet been fully processed?
Please bring a printed copy of your company match to the registration and packet pickup tent. The printed copy will need to have your first and last name, and clearly indicate that your donation request was approved. The Base 2 Space team will honor your pending match and you will be eligible to climb.
What if I increase my fundraising goal beyond the $200 minimum and don’t reach it?
If you do not reach your personal fundraising goal more than the $200 minimum, no worries. We appreciate your support and willingness to go above and beyond! You’re only responsible for raising a minimum of $200.
Do I need a credit card to participate?
Yes, you need a credit card to pay your non-refundable registration fee through the registration site. You may also bring a check or drop off cash between 9:00AM and 5:00PM Monday through Friday at the Space Needle’s administrative office (1050 W Ewing Street, Seattle, WA, 98119) to pay your fundraising minimum commitment of $200 by Friday, September 27.
Can I rollover my registration fee and donations to next year if my plans change and I’m unable to participate?
No. Registration fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Please refer to the information above or contact base2space@spaceneedle.com for more information.
How do I cancel my registration?
To cancel your registration, email base2space@spaceneedle.com no later than Thursday, August 1, 2024. Notifying the Base 2 Space team of your cancelation is appreciated and helps the organizers plan accordingly the day of the event. Please note that your registration fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Why is there a $200 fundraising minimum commitment in order to participate?
Unfortunately, cancer impacts everybody, which is why it’s going to take everyone’s support to cure this dreadful disease. The Space Needle Foundation is proud to support Fred Hutch Cancer Center, a world-renowned organization dedicated to eliminating cancer and other related diseases. All donations raised during Base 2 Space will be directed to Fred Hutch and the Space Needle Foundation. As a component of the Seattle Foundation, the Space Needle Foundation is committed to elevating our collective future by supporting organizations who are at the forefront of transforming lives and make a positive difference in the Puget Sound region.
DONATION QUESTIONS
How do I donate to a Base 2 Space climber?
Each Base 2 Space participant has a personal fundraising page on the registration site. Search for your climber’s name or team. Once you are on the climber’s or team’s page, click the donation button and fill out the required information.
Alternatively, you can mail in donations (cash or check) using our offline donation form. Please make checks payable to the Space Needle Foundation and mail them to 1050 W Ewing Street, Seattle, WA 98119; Attn: Base 2 Space. All mailed checks must be postmarked by September 22, 2024. Also include the participant’s name or team name on the check’s memo line. This will ensure your check is applied to the correct fundraising page. Offline donations may take up to 5-7 business days to post to participant’s fundraiser. The EIN number for the Space Needle Foundation is 91-6013536.
What is the Space Needle Foundation?
As a subsidiary of the Seattle Foundation, the Space Needle Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s collective future by supporting organizations who are at the forefront of transforming lives and make a positive difference in the Puget Sound region. The foundation is proud to support Fred Hutch Cancer Center, a world-renowned organization dedicated to eliminating cancer and other related diseases.
Is 100% of my donation tax deductible?
Yes! All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 100% of donations raised during Base 2 Space will be directed to Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Space Needle Foundation. Fred Hutch is a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the state of Washington and accepting donations from all 50 states. The EIN number for the Space Needle Foundation is 91-6013536. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Can I raise more than $200?
Yes! You are encouraged to challenge yourself and raise as much as you can for Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Do you have any tips on fundraising?
Yes! Please see our list of Fundraising Tips.
If I cancel my participation, what happens to my donations?
Any funds donated by you or others to satisfy your fundraising commitment are nonrefundable and nontransferable. All donations will go toward Fred Hutch Cancer Center to fund and fuel breakthrough cancer research, and the Space Needle Foundation who is committed to supporting local organizations who elevate our collective future.
What happens if I do not meet my fundraising commitment by the day of the event?
You will not be able to climb until we receive your $200 minimum fundraising commitment.
What do I do if a donor gives me cash?
If the donor requires a tax acknowledgement, he or she must deliver the cash donation in-person at the Space Needle Administrative Office – 1050 West Ewing Street, Seattle, WA 98119. We cannot guarantee the receipt of any cash donations sent via mail. If you choose to deposit the cash donation and write the Space Needle Foundation a check from your own account or make a donation online, the Space Needle Foundation cannot send the donor a tax acknowledgement.
Do you accept matching gifts?
Definitely! Simply ask your HR rep or your employers matching gifts rep to submit the paperwork to the Space Needle Foundation. Be sure to note the matching gift is for Base 2 Space. Please note the time it takes to receive the actual gift can vary depending on your company. Some companies will send it within a couple weeks of your request, while others take months. Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your fundraising. Be sure to encourage your donors to submit matching gift requests to leverage your fundraising.
Where do I mail a donation check?
Space Needle LLC/Space Needle Foundation
1050 W Ewing Street
Seattle, WA 98119
Attn: Base 2 Space
VOLUNTEER QUESTIONS
What volunteer jobs can I do to support Base 2 Space?
Volunteer jobs include, but are not limited to:
Greeters, Gear Check, Registration, Finish Line Support, Hospitality Team, Medal Presenter, and Cheer Squad. If you have questions, contact volunteer@fredhutch.org.
How do I register to volunteer for Base 2 Space?
Click "Volunteer" up above.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
You must be 14 by September 29, 2024 to volunteer.
Is there a registration fee to volunteer?
No. However, if you would like to participate in the climb, you will need to register as a climber and pay the registration fee.
Is there a fundraising minimum to volunteer?
No. We are grateful for your time, effort and energy. Of course, you are more than welcome to volunteer AND fundraise.
If I volunteer, do I get to climb for free?
No. All volunteers will need to pay the climber registration fee and raise the $200 minimum to participate in the climb.
When will I receive confirmation of my volunteer job?
Detailed information, with your exact job and shift time, will be sent closer to the event (be on the lookout for details mid to late September).
What if my plans change and I need to switch jobs or cancel?
It’s important that once you sign up you commit to your job. We understand things happen, so please notify us via email at volunteer@fredhutch.org as soon as possible if you are unable to volunteer for any reason.
EVENT DAY QUESTIONS
Will I be timed?
Yes, each participant will be timed. Bib numbers and timing chips will be distributed at Registration. Pin your bib number to the front of your shirt. Your bib number must be visible at all times during the climb. Once you complete the climb, you can scan the QR code on your bib using your phone to find out your time or visit the Timing Table near the Registration tent.
How can I make sure I’m climbing with friends?
First, make sure you and the people you want to climb with are all registered for the same climb time.
Will there be a gear check?
Yes. We will have a gear check tent. You will be able to tag your gear with a tear-off tag from your bib. There will be volunteers there to assist you. Backpacks are not allowed in the stairwell.
Will there be food and drinks?
Yes, food and water will be on-site throughout the event for all climbers and fans to enjoy free of charge.
There are several restaurants in the Seattle Center Armory just steps away.
Where can I park?
There are many lots and garages as well as street parking surrounding the Seattle Center campus. Please note street parking is typically free on Sundays.
Will there be water stations in the stairwells?
No. Due to space limitations within the stairwells, there will be no water stations. Water will be available on the Broad St Green (big lawn directly south of the Space Needle) throughout the event and at the top of the Space Needle near the finish lines.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
What happens at registration/when I check in?
You will be assigned a bib number and timing chip, and will receive your t-shirt. All climbers are required to check in and pick up a bib to participate.
When and where can I register/check in?
In the Registration/Check In tent on the Broad St Green (big lawn directly south of the Space Needle). Registration/check in is open on event day only (September 29) from 6:30AM - 2:30PM. There is no early registration or check-in. Please arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before your wave time.
Can someone else check in for me?
Yes. They will be expected to provide your name and birthday, as well as fulfill any remaining balance on your account.
When I check in on event day, how long in advance of my start time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at least 30 to 60 minutes in advance of your start time to make sure you can get through registration/check in lines and get to gear check in time.
What if I haven’t hit my $200 minimum by event day?
You will be asked to pay your balance on site at the Registration tent in order to participate in the climb. Please be prepared to pay with cash, credit card or a check made payable to the Space Needle Foundation.
What if my matching gift hasn’t been processed by event day?
If Seattle Foundation has not yet processed your matching gift by event day and you need the matching gift contribution to hit your fundraising minimum, please bring written proof of the matching gift to the event. Proof can be a printed receipt or confirmation email from your employer (or whoever is granting the matching gift).
Can I bring additional donations above my $200 minimum when I check in?
Absolutely! Please accompany each donation with a completed offline donation form if you can.
Are you accepting cash, checks, and credit cards on site?
Yes.
Who should checks be made out to?
All checks should be made out to the Space Needle Foundation. In the memo line, write “Base 2 Space.” If you are donating to a participant, please be sure to also note their name on the memo line.
If I bring checks when I check in, will the donors who wrote the checks get credited on my fundraising page?
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to acknowledge individual donors on your fundraising page when we process checks taken at the Registration/Check In tent. If you want to make sure your donors are acknowledged online, have them donate via credit card directly to your fundraising page.
Will you provide tax receipts at registration?
Yes, we will have a limited number of paper tax receipts from the Seattle Foundation that you may use and give to your donors. We will email tax receipts out after the event.
TEAM QUESTIONS
What is a Base 2 Space team?
A Base 2 Space team is a group of two or more registered participants who are interested in working together to meet their overall fundraising goal or simply want to experience the thrill of climbing the Space Needle together. To qualify as a team, each climber will still need to individually meet the $200 minimum to participate in the event. However, Base 2 Space will review the team’s aggregate total to determine if an individual has met the fundraising minimum. To determine the minimum amount of money your team needs to raise, multiply the total number of climbers on your team by $200. Please see the questions below for more information.
What is the benefit of registering as a team?
Creating a team is a fun and easy way to further your overall fundraising impact! Some of the other benefits include:
Team building! Base 2 Space is a great team building opportunity for coworkers, friends and family.
Raising funds in the aggregate! Team fundraising allows climbers to subsidize each other’s fundraising minimum. If you exceed your $200 minimum, you can donate funds to help your team member reach their minimum. Adult climbers must raise a minimum of $200 and youth must reach $100. However, you cannot give your team members more than the required minimum to climb. Email base2space@spaceneedle.com if you have questions.
How do I register a new team or add myself to an existing team?
Select the wave/climb time you would like to participate in and fill out the required information to register. While filling out your information, you will get to a page that asks if you would like to “join a team” or “create a team”. To form a team, create a team name and set a team goal based on the total number of participants on your team. There is a $200 fundraising minimum or adults and a $100 minimum for youth. You can also join an existing team by using the search bar to find the registered team name. Open the team's fundraising page and click the "Join" button.
What is the fundraising minimum for a team?
To determine your team’s minimum fundraising goal, simply multiply the number of adult team members by $200, and the number of youth team members by $100, and then add the two totals for your team’s minimum fundraising goal. The team’s total funds raised must cover each climber’s minimum donation requirement. If you need to move funds to a teammate’s fundraising page, please email base2space@spaceneedle.com. Participants cannot move more than the required minimum to their teammates’ fundraising pages.
Do all team members need to sign up for the same climb time?
No. You can register for the wave that is right for you! However, if you would like to climb with your team, make sure you sign up for the same climb time during registration. The deadline to switch your wave is Thursday, August 1. You can manually switch your wave (based on availability) by logging into your RunSignUp account and clicking manage registration.
How do I change my team’s fundraising goal?
So long as your team raises enough funds to cover everyone’s minimum, you can edit your overall team goal. No team’s fundraising goal should be below the minimum donation amount.
How are company matches applied to team fundraising pages?
Simply ask your HR rep or your employers matching gifts rep to submit the paperwork to the Space Needle Foundation. Be sure to note the matching gift is for Base 2 Space. Please note the time it takes to receive the actual gift can vary depending on your company. Some companies will send it within a couple weeks of your request, while others take months. Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your team’s fundraising goal. Be sure to encourage your donors to submit matching gift requests to leverage your fundraising.
