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.
• Commemoration: 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 Info: For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit 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 2nd.

📅 Where can I pick up my packet?

• Pre-run Pickup: Pre-run packet pickup will be held on Thursday, September 4th from 4-8pm at Brighton Fire Hall, 50 Jamaica Rd Tonawanda, NY 14150 and Friday, September 5th from 4-8pm at the Bellevue Fire Hall, 511 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga.
• Race Day Pickup: We recommend you pick up your packets prior to 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?

• Same Day Registration: Yes, same day registration and packet pickup will open at 7am on race day.
• Registration Method: No paper registrations will be used, but we will have a QR reader available for signing up through your cell phone.
• Timing Chip Notice: NO TIMING CHIPS will be given after September 2nd, so register early.

⏰ When does online registration close?

• Chip Timing Closure: Online registration for chip timing will close on Tuesday, September 2nd at 11:59pm.
• Non-Chip Timing Closure: Registration for non-chip timing will close promptly at 8:30am on Race Day.

🅿️ Is there parking available?

• Parking Location: Parking will be available near the race start. 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. DO NOT park along Como Park Boulevard.
• Follow Instructions: Please follow all parking volunteer instructions as they are looking out for your safety.

🎟️ Do I have to wear my bib number?

• Visibility Requirement: Yes, your race bib must be worn on the front of your outermost garment.
• Policy: 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?

• Front Corral: 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.
• Encouragement: 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?

• Allowed Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted.
• Prohibitions: 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.
• Backpacks: Backpacks are not restricted, but the Tunnel to Towers Foundation cannot be responsible for the loss or damage to any items.

🐕 Are dogs allowed on the route?

• Pets 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: Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle.
• Liability: 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 Policy: No, your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal on RunSignup.

👥 Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

• Pickup Policy: 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 Availability: 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 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?

• Contact Method: Please contact us at buffalony@:t2t.org.
• Appreciation: 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. 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 Run Signup where you will be able to accept donations online.
• Donation Methods: If you want