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.
• Memorial: 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: 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).
• Participation: 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?

• Dates: Pre-run packet pickup will be held on Thursday, September 17th from 4-8pm and Friday, September 18th from 4-8pm at the Bellevue Fire Hall.
• Locations: 50 Jamaica Rd Tonawanda, NY 14150 on Thursday and 511 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga on Friday.
• Race Day: 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?

• Registration Time: Yes, same day registration and packet pickup will open at 7am on race day.
• 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?

• Chip Timing: 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?

• Near Race Start: Parking will be available near the race start.
• Parking Directions: Volunteers will be on site to direct you to park.
• Alternative Parking: There is also parking available along Bennett Road, which is immediately adjacent to the start line.
• Restrictions: DO NOT park along Como Park Boulevard. Please 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.
• Enforcement: Those who run without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.
• Caution: 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?

• Eligibility: 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: Water will also be available at the finish line.

What prizes will be available?

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

What can you bring to the event?

• Permitted Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted.
• Prohibited Items: Due to safety concerns, we do not allow rollerblades or bicycles.
• Encouraged Gear: Firefighter turnout gear, police and EMS uniforms and military backpacks are encouraged.
• 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?

• 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?

• Security: Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle.
• Responsibility: All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk.
• Liability: 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: No, your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal on RunSignup.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

• Option: 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 Window: Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?

• Contact: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to buffalony@:t2t.org with your contact information.
• Response: 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?

• Contact Info: Please contact us at buffalony@:t2t.org.
• Goal: 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.
• Direct Donations: If you want to donate cash or by check, you can send donations directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd,