MIAMI GARDENS – The Fight for Air Climb in Miami usually takes place indoors. This year, however, due to safety concerns with the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual event that raises money for the American Lung Association shifted outdoors.

More than 400 participants, including several firefighters in gear, ascended and descended the long aisles of stairs inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on March 6. The result was more than $130,000 raised.

“For the safety of our constituents and staff, we pivoted to an outdoor venue this year and saw a tremendous outpouring of support and participation from the local community,” Chrissy Cohen, the American Lung Association’s executive director, said in a statement. “Thank you to all of our participants, volunteers and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of people facing lung disease, lung cancer and Covid-19.”

In addition to helping the association’s battle against lung cancer and lung disease, the funds will support the organization’s Covid-19 action initiative to address the virus and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics.

Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 was the presenting sponsor of the event.