Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Buffalo, NY

What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk?

• Purpose: The Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers.
• Honoring Lives Lost: It honors all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and supports our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty!
• Foundation Information: For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.t2t.org.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

• Distance: This is a 5K (3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event.

Can I get a timing chip?

• Inclusion: Yes, your race fee includes a timing chip which will be available up until September 15th.

Where can I pick up my packet?

• Pre-Run Pickup: Pre-run packet pickup will be held on Thursday, September 17th from 4-8pm at Brighton Fire Hall, 50 Jamaica Rd Tonawanda, NY 14150 and Friday, September 18th from 4-8pm at the Bellevue Fire Hall, 511 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga.
• Day of Race Pickup: Packet pickup on the day of the run will be at Bellevue Fire Company 511 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga.

Can I register the day of the run?

• Same Day Registration: Yes, same day registration and packet pickup will open at 7am on race day.
• Registration Process: No paper registrations will be used, but we will have a QR reader available for signing up through your cell phone.
• Timing Chips: NO TIMING CHIPS will be given after September 15th, so register early.

When does online registration close?

• Online Registration: Online registration for chip timing will close on Tuesday, September 15th at 11:59pm.
• Non-Chip Timing: Registration for non-chip timing will close promptly at 8:30am on Race Day.

Is there parking available?

• Parking Options: Parking will be available near the race start, and volunteers will be on site to direct you to park.
• Additional Parking: There is also parking available along Bennett Road, which is immediately adjacent to the start line.
• Parking Guidelines: Please do not park along Como Park Boulevard and follow all parking volunteer instructions as they are looking out for your safety.

Do I have to wear my bib number?

• Bib Requirement: Yes, your race bib must be worn on the front of your outermost garment.
• Course Rules: Those who run without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.
• Smartphone Warning: Please try to keep your smartphone away from your race bib as it could deactivate the timing chip.

I am a fast runner. Can I get a front line position?

• Seeded Runners: Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minute/mile will be seeded in the front corral (arrive early).

Will water be available?

• Water Stations: Yes, a water station will be available along the route around miles 1 and 2.
• Finish Line: There will be water available at the finish line.

What prizes will be available?

• Awards: We will have overall and age group awards, as well as team prizes.
• Encourage Competition: We encourage competition between different Emergency Services personnel and military branches and will also be awarding prizes for teams.

What can you bring to the event?

• Permitted Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear, police and EMS uniforms and military backpacks are encouraged.
• No Rollerblades/Bicycles: Due to safety concerns, we do not allow rollerblades or bicycles.
• Personal Items: Backpacks are not restricted, but the Tunnel to Towers Foundation cannot be responsible for loss or damage to any items.

Are dogs allowed on the route?

• Pet Policy: With the exception of service and police dogs, unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the route.

If I have items I don’t want to carry, what should I do with them?

• Storage Advice: Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle.
• Responsibility: All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?

• Fundraising Goal: No, your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal on RunSignup.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

• Packet Pickup: Yes, they must present a copy of your registration receipt.

Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the start of the race?

• Donation Period: Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?

• Sponsorship Contact: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to buffalony@t2t.org with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?

• Donation Contact: Please contact us at buffalony@t2t.org. We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Stephen Siller's name.
• Appreciation: Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

As a participant, can I fundraise/encourage others to donate?

• Fundraising Page: Yes! Once you are registered, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page on RunSignup where you will be able to accept donations online.
• Donation Methods: If you want to donate cash or by check, you can send donations directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 (Attn: Alyssa Fusillo).
• Team Identification: Please identify it as going towards the Buffalo, NY event and provide your team/participant information so it can be added to your fundraising page.

Can I