A firefighter from Steinbach is in Calgary this weekend to take part in very unique competition. Ron Klassen explains what he will be doing Sunday.

"I am going to be attempting 1,204-step stair climb. It's at the Bow building in Calgary which is 55 storeys tall. Calgary is a 3,500 feet above sea level and I will do this in full gear plus an air pack on my back."

The 49-year-old Klassen says that means he will be carrying 55 pounds of gear while climbing the more than 1,200 steps. He adds he has been training hard.

"I've been doing lots of stairs at the tower at the (Steinbach) fire hall, full gear with packs, running that tower. I am a member at Fitness Zone in Steinbach and they've allowed me to bring my gear in there. I was on their stair climber there with full gear and a pack. It's a lot of work. I haven't done this many stairs ever, even as a rookie."

Klassen adds it's a timed event and he will be competing against hundreds of firefighters from around the world. He hopes his training will be sufficient.

"I will definitely find out if I've done enough or if I'm going to need to do more, let's say, going back next year. This one is three days after my 49th birthday so we'll see how this one goes. I'm just hoping to complete it this year. Then, if it goes good, I'm hoping to go back next year and I will then have a time to beat."

The stair climb is also a fundraiser for cancer research.