On September 13, 2025, the Edmonton skyline will come alive with a new spirit of courage and community, as Wellspring hosts its first-ever Skyline Rush Challenge – an adrenaline-fueled urban rappel down the 27-storey Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel. It’s 265 feet of heart-pounding adventure for thrill-seekers, community champions, and anyone ready to push their limits while raising funds for people living with cancer in Alberta.
At the heart of the action is none other than Josh Classen, CTV Edmonton’s Chief Meteorologist and the emcee for the exciting new event. Known for delivering the weather with warmth and wit on the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news, Josh is trading radar maps for rappelling ropes, and he won’t just be talking about the event … he’s getting in on the action! On September 12, the day before the Skyline Rush Challenge, Josh will take part in the media rappel himself, which will air live on CTV News at Six.
“I get invited to emcee many events throughout the year and I’m more than happy to emcee all of them,” Josh says, “but any cancer-related event is near and dear to my heart because my dad had prostate cancer – he’s a survivor – has been in the clear for four or five years now. And my father-in-law in Saskatoon is going on six years of stage four bone cancer. He’s beating the odds with some sort of experimental drug, so he’s doing well too. I realize this is not an unusual thing to report – most people know someone who is living with cancer.”
That personal connection was what made the Skyline Rush Challenge such a clear “yes” for Josh.
“When Wellspring approached me asking me to emcee this event, I did some research to find out what all Wellspring is about and, A) it is fantastic work Wellspring does, and B) who doesn’t want to rappel 265 feet down the side of a building? This has been on my bucket list of things to do for the longest time! To have this opportunity is a win-win for me — so good I almost feel guilty because I’m really going to enjoy it … a lot!”
Wellspring’s programs, offered at no cost to those living with cancer and their families, provide physical, mental and emotional support as well as education, coping strategies, and community connection. Funds raised from the Skyline Rush Challenge will help ensure these services remain free and accessible, giving thousands of Albertans the help they need at a time when they need it most.
For Josh, happily ticking an item off his bucket list while rallying support for Wellspring – there is no trepidation about the vertical challenge.
“Some people are really nervous, and I get that, but I’m not one of them. I’m just going to go, have so much fun, and I know it will be a great experience for a great cause,” he said.
Whether you’re scaling down the building yourself, cheering from the sidelines, or tuning in to watch Josh live on CTV, one thing is for sure: September 12 and 13 are going to be landmark days for Wellspring!