Climb to the Top FAQs 

Have a question about Climb to the Top?

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Climb to the Top. We have provided information on registration, teams, event day information and more. 

If you still cannot find the answer to your question after reviewing these, please feel free to contact us at njmclimbnj@nmss.org or 732-660-1005 (option 2).

Registration FAQs
Fundraising FAQs
Teams FAQs
Event Information FAQs 

Registration FAQs 

Is there a registration fee?

Yes. The registration fee is $35. Climbers are also required to fulfill the fundraising minimum of $250. The $35 fee is due upon registration and the $250 fee is due by event day. 

What is the difference between an Individual Participant and a Virtual Participant?

An individual participant is someone who is planning to actually climb to the top of the Mack-Cali building. A virtual participant cannot climb but will fundraise. Team members can register as either Individual Participants or Virtual Participants. Although there is no registration fee for Virtual Participants, we do encourage fundraising with a suggested minimum of $250. 

Can I register for Climb to the Top the day of the event?

Yes. Please arrive by 1 PM to register. Both the $35 registration fee and the $250 fundraising minimum are due at registration. Due to the popularity of the event, Climb to the Top may sell out and we cannot guarantee registration availability on event day.

Fundraising FAQs

Is there a minimum fundraising requirement? 

Yes! The funds raised through Climb to the Top support our local programs and services, financial assistance and cutting-edge research. All participants are required to raise a minimum of $250 by March 28th to receive your event day packet and bib number. Event day packet materials and bib numbers are MANDATORY for anyone participating in Climb to the Top. Pending matching gifts will count towards the fundraising minimum. 

Where do I send my donations? 

Please forward your donations to:
National MS Society, NJ Metro Chapter
Attn: Climb to the Top
1480 US Highway 9 North, Suite 301
Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Who do I make checks payable to? 

Checks can be made payable to the National MS Society. Also, remember to include the participant’s name and “Climb to the Top” in the memo section of each check.

Are there prizes and incentives for fundraising? 

Climb to the Top – New Jersey Metro will be awarding top fundraisers both individually and teams. Please visit Prizes and Incentives for the most up-to-date information. 

How long does it take for checks to show up on my account?

Checks that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to show up on your account. To avoid the wait, you can always encourage your donors to sponsor you online. Online donations are safe and easy.

For assistance with donations, please give our office a call at 732-660-1005, and press option 2. 

Log into your participant center and click on the “My Progress” button to confirm your most up to date fundraising total. 

What is My Participant Center?

 Every Climb to the Top participant receives an online fundraising account also referred to as your “Participant Center.” Through your Participant Center you can send emails, track your fundraising progress, solicit donations, and more!

For instructions on how to use your Participant Center please email njmclimbnj@nmss.org.

What if my company wants to match my donation?

Matching gifts are a great way to easily double your fundraising dollars! Check to see if your company – or your donor’s company – participates by visiting http://ematch.hepdata.com:8080/ematch/search/nationalmssociety. Not all companies are listed, so be sure to contact your personnel or HR Department to learn about your company’s matching gift policies and procedures. 

Follow the procedure outlined by your company’s matching gift program.

We will send a confirmation to your company and, upon receipt of the check, we will credit your Climb to the Top fundraising efforts.

Are donations tax-deductible and how do I get a receipt? 

Yes! All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cleared check or credit card transaction serves as your receipt. A receipt will be emailed to online donors once the transaction is complete. Donations of $1,000 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgement from the National MS Society by the end of the calendar year in which the donation is made.

Teams FAQs

How do I form a Team?

At the time of registration, select the option "Start a Team.” You will automatically be registered as the team captain. 

How do I join/register on a Team?

At the time of registration, select the option "Join a Team.” You can then search for the team. Once you’ve found your team, click the “Join” button in the right hand column next to the team name. 

How many team members can I have?

We recommend that each team consist of a minimum of 4 people. There is no maximum number of team members.

What if I have already registered as an Individual and want to be on a Team?

We’re glad to have more team members! If you have already registered, contact elizabeth.shaw@nmss.org with your full name and the team name you would like to join. Our Teams Department can easily transfer you to your desired team.  

Can I hand in all my donations as a team? 

All donations received must be credited to an individual participant. Every team member is responsible for the $250 fundraising minimum and the team total is the combination of all team members’ fundraising totals.

Event Information FAQs

What is Climb to the Top?

Climb to the Top is a vertical road race. Participants climb stairs for a cure – all while raising funds for the National MS Society. Participants will run or walk up the stairs of a designated stairwell inside the Mack-Cali Harborside Plaza 5 building. 

How many flights of stairs is Climb to the Top? 

You will climb 33 flights of stairs and 822 steps.

How long does Climb to the Top take?

This depends on each participant's fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at water stops. Top racers finish in as little as 7 minutes, while the average participant takes from 20 to 30 minutes to finish. All participants must complete the Climb by 5 PM.

Will there be parking?

Yes, all participants should park in the Plaza 4A Parking garage right next to Plaza 5. You MUST bring your parking garage ticket to the event registration table in order for it to be validated. If you do not get your ticket validated at registration, or if you park in a different garage, you will be required to pay for your own parking upon leaving the garage.

Click Here for directions

Will I receive an event T-shirt?

Yes. All participants receive an event T-shirt on the day of the event. T-shirts will be available for pickup at Henry’s on the Hudson. 

How many water stops will there be along our 33-story route?

Climb to the Top will have three stops along the route at floors 13, 23 and 33. Please watch your footing at these locations to avoid slipping. 

Will restrooms be available while I am climbing?

No. There are no restrooms once you start climbing. All participants must use either the designated port-o-johns in the outside plaza area, or the locker room facilities at New York Sports Club across the street. 

When will I receive my start time? 

Start times will be provided to participants one week prior to the event via email. Please be sure to read all materials sent to you regarding the Climb event.

What time should I arrive?

Please be sure to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your assigned start time. If you miss your start time, you will be placed in the last wave of climbers.

Will there be medical personnel on-site?

Safety comes first! There will be licensed medical personnel on site. In case of emergency, volunteers in the stairwell will communicate with emergency personnel.

Can a climber stop at any time?

Try to avoid stopping in the stairwell. If you are fatigued, slow your pace and try to continue climbing. If you need to stop, make sure you only do this on a landing. Never stop on the actual flight of stairs.

If you do not wish to continue, climb to the next water stop and inform the water stop volunteers that you can no longer continue. If you are unable to climb to the next water stop or are experiencing a medical emergency, do not climb back downstairs! Ask a fellow participant to alert the volunteers or medical personnel on your behalf.

Is there a bag check area provided? 

There will be a free bag check area for personal items. Please do not bring valuables with you to the event. The National MS Society is not responsible for any lost or damaged items. All participants will also have free access to the New York Sports Club locker rooms across the street.