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Participants took on 44 flights of stairs to raise awareness and funding for lung disease.

It's the first time the event was held in the city, just steps away from the World Trade Center site.

"It's certainly tiring, makes you sweat. Makes you breathe more importantly, but I feel really good," said American Lung Association New York Vice President Kristin DiFoglio.

Several firefighters made the climb, carrying 60 to 70 pounds of gear apiece, as well as the memory of those who lost their lives racing up the stairs of the Twin Towers.

Organizers say choosing the location was no coincidence.

"There's a real issue that's starting to develop around lung disease, associated with 9/11 especially among firefighters and we are a huge supporter of the efforts of firefighters and what they did as well as the other first responders on the scene. And we feel like it's our responsibility to be close to where there was a big issue, where there's going to be a big issue with lung disease," said American Lung Association New York President & CEO Scott Santarella.

"Just having that in my head kinda inspired me. If he can do it under those conditions, I could do it under this conditions," said Bloomfield Fire Department Firefighter Brian Shephard. "I'm tired. I don't know how he did it but God bless him.

Studies show lung disease kills more people each year than breast cancer, colon and prostate cancer combined.

Lung disease is also a big problem locally, with asthma claiming the lives of several hundred children in the city each year.

The American Lung Association has held similar events in 60 cities raising over $4 million.

Saturday's climb in Lower Manhattan is expected to bring in another $150,000 to fight lung disease and promote clean air.

To make a donation to the American Lung Association of New York, visit ALANY.org.