The cure for cancer is one step closer.

Actually 832 steps closer, thanks to some ambitious athletes set to summit all 52 stories of the Seattle Space Needle in the upcoming second annual Base 2 Space Climb. Participation fees and funds raised by the climbers will go to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

One Bainbridge Island gym is set to climb en masse, viewing the challenge not only as a good cause to support but also a unique fitness goal for which to train.

“I heard about it last year after the event happened,” said Travis Adena, owner and head trainer at Focus Training Studio.

“For me, as a gym owner, I was pretty excited. I’m always looking for things for my members to participate in, like an event, and this came up and it’s an iconic climb and not everyone can say that they’ve climbed the Space Needle.

“This was definitely something I wanted to be a part of,” Adena added. “I think everyone’s been affected by cancer in one form or another and I just feel it was also a great way for the community to honor those who have battled, or those who are currently battling cancer.”

Last year’s climb reportedly raised more than $500,000. Participants pay an entry donation (between $75 and $100) and also raise funds in their communities.

Adena’s team, Training For Warriors Bainbridge Island, has already surpassed their minimum fundraising goal and is continuing to solicit donations up until the day before the climb (online via www.classy.org/fundraise/team?ftid=85209).

“It’s our first time doing this and I set a goal of $500,” Adena said. “I think we’re at $1,600 already.”

About eight people had signed up to climb as of late last week, Adena said, though the TFW team is also looking for more climbers. You don’t have to be a gym member to join the team. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old.

“People are still signing up,” he said, “so that’s exciting.”

Visit www.facebook.com/tfwbainbridgeisland or email travis@focustrainingstudio.com for more information, and www.spaceneedle.com/b2s-rules for the official event regulations.

The climb will take place on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Starting times will begin at approximately 7 a.m., with the last starting time depending on the number of participants, but no later than 5 p.m.

Starting times will be assigned based on the number of participants in a group and the varying climbing speed of participants.

Having a specific goal or event in mind can greatly invigorate people’s fitness routines or give a regular gym junkie an excuse to mix things up, Adena said.

“What better way to motivate gym members than training for a specific event like climbing the Space Needle?” he explained. “We’ve actually designed specific workouts to not only prepare people to complete the climb but also to improve their conditioning so they can enjoy the experience because it is a unique climb. You’re actually outdoors. It’s an outdoor staircase.

“I’m sure the views from there are going to be breathtaking.”