Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Orlando, FL

What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K 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.

• Event Details: Our 5K Run & Walk Orlando event attracts hundreds of local first responders and military service members and close to 2000 participants. Please join us and help honor our heroes.
• Anniversary: This year marks the 14th anniversary of our Orlando event at Cranes Roost Park and also the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Please watch our 2025 T2T Orlando Race Video!

Race Distance

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

Race Schedule

• Start Time: All participants registered as a First Responder/Military are asked to be at the start line at approx. 7:00 AM, allowing spectators to line the course to show their thanks and respect, followed by a brief 9-11 ceremony starting at 7am and Race time beginning at 7:30 AM.

Packet Pickup Information

Location: PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE (Altamonte Springs) Next to Whole Foods, 375 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Please follow our Tunnel to Towers Orlando Facebook page (T2T ORLANDO FB page) for the most up to date information as the event date approaches.

• Pickup Times: Wednesday Sept 9th NOON - 5pm *no early birds please! Thursday Sept 10th 10am-6pm

IMPORTANT! Packet Pickup will be Wednesday and Thursday (Sept 9th and 10th) again this year! We will NOT be having packet pickup on Friday in order to allow us to prepare for the day of the event. You may also pick up on race morning at the venue starting at 6:00am.

Registration Information

• Same Day Registration: Yes! Same day Registration and Packet pickup will open at 6am on the day of the race. Online registration does not close until 7:30am Race time. Day of registrations will only be available using a Q reader through your cell phone only. No paper registrations will be used. *Rate goes up $10 on day of event.
• Virtual Participation: We appreciate all our virtual participants, thank you for registering. While we’re unfortunately unable to mail packets, you’re welcome to have someone pick them up on your behalf during Packet Pickup.
• Online Registration Closing: *IMPORTANT* Online registration will remain OPEN through Saturday, September 12, 2026 and close promptly at 7:30 AM at race time.

You can register on race morning at the Cranes Roost event site - it opens at 6 AM with the QR code or you can CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Parking Information

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Altamonte mall parking lot.

Race Bib and Positioning

• Race Bib: Yes. Your race bib must be clearly displayed on the front of your outermost garment at all times. Participants without a visible bib may be removed from the course and will not receive an official finish.
• Fast Runners: There will be an announcement for fast runners to come to the 'Start'. However, please note that all First Responders 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.

First Responder Team Challenge

No, in recognition of that defining moment in history, we have made the thoughtful decision to place the 'First Responder TEAM Competition Award' on hold beginning with this year’s T2T Orlando 5K.

While this TEAM challenge award will not be presented this year, the 9/11 Stephen G. Siller Steel trophy and the 9/11 Stephen G. Siller Heroes trophy will both be respectfully displayed at the event for viewing and photo opportunities for the community.

Individual First Responder Competition

The Optional Individual First Responder competition is an intense test of endurance requiring participants to run in full turnout gear. This tribute is intended for those who are physically prepared for the demands involved. Participants accept responsibility for their participation.

• Firefighters: Minimum standard includes jacket, liners, pants and helmets. *tanks and boots are discouraged.
• Law Enforcement Officers: Minimum standard includes approved uniform (can be summer uniform), gun belt, and body armor.
• Military: Minimum standard includes approved military uniform and gear as required by the military branch.

Event Logistics

• Water Availability: Yes, water stations will be available along the route and there will be water available at the Start/Finish Line.
• Allowed Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted and encouraged!
• Prohibited Pets: No, there is a city ordinance that does not allow pets in the event site when an event involves road closures.

Fundraising and Donations

Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal. Registration fees help offset some of the expenses associated with making the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk one of the country’s greatest annual events, however, your fundraising efforts enable us to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many in need.

Refund Policy: We do not provide refunds for the event regardless of if you cannot make the date or the foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances.

Donation After Race: Yes. Donations will be accepted for the next 6 weeks following the event.

Awards

In order to expedite our post-race ceremony, we will be instituting a change to how the age group awards are handed out. We will have an “Awards Tent” set up on the site. Using a “QR” code, you will be able to access the results for your time and age group finish place.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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

Contact Information for Donations

You can mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Attn: T2TOrlando/Adam
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306