Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Metro Detroit, MI

What is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

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 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 by supporting our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.

This is our 5th year in Metro Detroit, and we are excited to once again bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

• Distance: This is a 5K (approximately 3.1 miles) to walk or run this event.
• Participation: Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.
• Map: Click here for the map.
• Trail: We will have a 1.2-mile trail available as well.

Where can I pick up my packet?

Early Packet Pick Up will be on Thursday 9/10 from 4-8 PM at Texas Roadhouse 44887 Mound Rd. Sterling Heights, Mi. 48314. Texas Roadhouse will be having a “Dine In To Go” night that evening with 10% of the bill of those who mention T2T is donated to T2T by Texas Roadhouse Sterling Heights.

Can I register the day of the run?

Yes. Registration will open the morning of the run. Time will be announced. If you wait to register, we may not have a shirt for you and we do not guarantee sizes for late registrants.

When does online registration close?

Online registration will remain open until race day registration is closed. If you register after packet pick-up, you may not receive your t-shirt and any other race day swag.

Is there parking available?

Yes. Unless you have a Metropark Annual pass entry to the park for a daily pass is $10 per vehicle.

Do I have to wear my bib number?

Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. Those who run without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.

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

This event will be timed. So, all participants regardless of your starting position will have their time recorded. There will be an announcement for fast runners to come to the 'Start'. However, please note that all First Responders (FFs, Police, & Military...etc) will be corralled at the starting line at the beginning of the race and we ask that their position be respected as all runners and walkers should be positioned behind them.

Will water be available?

Yes, water stations will be available along the route and there will be water available at the start/finish line.

What can you bring to the event?

• Permitted Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted.
• Special Gear: Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted.
• Personal Items: Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle.
• Liability: All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?

Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal. Your registration fee offsets expenses for the cost of the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk. We keep those costs at a maximum of 25% of the total registration fees. Therefore at least 75% of your fee supports T2T programs. 100% of your fundraising efforts goes directly to our programs enabling us to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many in need. To show our appreciation for your time, passion, and effort, we recognize each fundraising milestone that is reached with prizes branded with the Tunnel to Towers logo.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. And don't forget to thank them!

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

Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?

Please send all sponsorship correspondence to metrodetroit@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?

You can contact us at metrodetroit@t2t.org. We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation “In the Line of Duty” programs. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

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

Yes! Once you are registered, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page and you will be able to accept donations online. Do you want to donate cash/money? We can help you with that. Contact us at metrodetroit@t2t.org and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to ATTN: Bob Kalfaian T2T Metro Detroit 5K Run & Walk - 4287 Nickolas Drive Sterling Heights Mi. 48310. Please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page.

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation?

Please mail any offline donations to:

Bob Kalfaian
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
4287 Nickolas Drive
Sterling Heights, Mi. 48310

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?

Yes. See information above OR contact us at metrodetroit@t2t.org and we will manually change it in our system. Transfers must be received before Thursday, September 10th.

Can I get a refund?

We do not provide refunds for the event regardless if you cannot make the date or the foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances. Registration may be transferred to another person. This is a rain or shine event but we will cancel if weather conditions become unsafe.

How can I volunteer?

It's simple! Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities so please go online early and register early as a volunteer.

Do registrants get receipts?

When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt. If paying by credit card or check that is your receipt. If paying in cash, receipt upon request.

Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives?

Yes, we offer fundraising incentives each year: check out our latest in our Fundraising Guide. To qualify, must be received by November 15, 2026 for this event.