Hundreds climb thousands of stairs for Hustle Chicago at former John Hancock Center
Hundreds of Chicagoans got their blood flowing for a good cause Sunday morning.
They took part in Hustle Chicago, formerly known as Hustle up the Hancock. The event was renamed because the iconic skyscraper at 875 N. Michigan Ave. where it takes place is not officially called the John Hancock Center anymore.
In Hustle Chicago, each participant climbed 94 flights of stairs — 1,632 stairs in all. Some made half-climbs of 816 steps and 52 floors.
The event raises money to support the Respiratory Health Association's efforts to prevent lung disease.
"It's fun in its own way," said a Jill Paha, who took first place in the women's division for Hustle Chicago, "and we have a great community. We all love each other. We all kind of travel these races together."
More than 2,000 people took part in the event Sunday. Manuel Kessel came all the way from Germany.
"I like traveling and doing these climbs, and it's my first time in Chicago, and I really liked it," said Kessel. There was really good energy here at this event."
The first Hustle event at the John Hancock Center was held back in 1998.
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