Flickr via Aquii in LA

The stair climb will take place at the US Bank Tower for its 19th year.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — DTLA's Ketchum YMCA hosts their annual fundraising Stair Climb on Friday, where 3,400 climbers will ascend 75 floors of the U.S. Bank Tower to raise money for programs that "foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility."

Heats of Angelenos begin the 1,679-stair-climb at 1:45 p.m. today. Starting at 6:20 p.m., police, safety officials and SoCal firefighters wearing 80 pounds of gear, will start their race to the top of the 1,005-foot-building.

YMCA says most climbers will take 20 to 45 minutes to reach the top, but the record time is a little under 9 and a half minutes.

Climbers will begin the trek upward in a staggered pattern, pushing off in five-to-eight-second intervals. People can compete individually or as four person teams, and registration fees range from $125 for an individual to $500 for a team. Although online registration is closed, YMCA says you can still register when you arrive at the event.

The climb also includes an all-day block party on the corner of 4th and Hope streets. Food trucks from Border Grill and Bool BBQ will be serving up free meals to participants and be accompanied by music, entertainment, and a beer and wine garden -- where beverages can be bought with $4 drink tickets.

According to the YMCA's event page, so far they have raised approximately $412,000 of their $500,000 fundraising goal. Money raised will go towards programs including day care centers, teen academic and college counseling, health screenings and reduced cost gym memberships.