Purpose: The Tunnel to Towers 5K 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.
Tribute: 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!
More Information: For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit t2t.org.
Anniversary: This year marks the 24th anniversary of 9-11. On Friday, September 12th 2025, thousands of people will run or walk to honor first responders and remember all of those lives lost on 9-11.
📏 How far is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk?
Distance: This is a 5k (3.1 miles).
Participation: You are welcome to walk or run this event.
Deadline: REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM.
📦 When is packet pickup?
Date: Packet Pick Up: Thursday, Sept 11th from 4 pm- 7 pm and Friday, Sept 12th 9am - 6pm at the Convention Center.
Race Start: The race starts at 7 pm.
👕 Will I get a Tunnel to Towers event T-shirt?
Shirt Guarantee: We will do our best to accommodate all registrants.
Late Registration: If you register late (after August 12, 2024), we will not guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.
💰 Can I get a refund? Can I transfer my registration?
Refund Policy: Unfortunately, ALL SALES ARE FINAL and we do not allow refunds.
Registration Transfer: However, you may transfer your registration to another participant.
🧾 What do I do if I lose my email confirmation?
No Stress: If you can't locate it and you are sure you registered DON’T STRESS. You’ll be on our list so we can check you in at packet pick up.
👕 What do I do if I'd like to change my T-shirt size?
Deadline for Change: All T-shirt sizes will need to be changed before the August 12th deadline.
🚗 Where can I park?
Parking Options: Convention center parking lot before 5:30p and Public/Columbia City parking garages and street parking.
👮 Who is a Hero?
Definition: Every first responder, firefighter, law enforcement officer, EMS/paramedic, and/or past or present member of our US Armed Forces (including National Guard) is an important HERO in our community.
Registration: First responders should register for this discounted rate and be prepared to provide official identification, if requested.
🏆 What is the First Responder Team Competition?
Award: The Stephen G. Siller Steel Award can be won by the fire department which has a team of 5 participate by running in turnout gear.
Winning Criteria: The four fastest times of their team members will be combined for the team’s total. The team with the fastest combined time will win the award and will have it to display in their station until the next year's run.
🎖️ Are there participation medals and awards?
Individual Awards: There are no participation medals.
Award Categories: Individual awards for Overall, Master, Grand Masters, and Age Group categories.
🚙 Is there parking available?
Nearby Parking: Yes, there is parking available nearby.
Important Info: Please pay attention to parking info which will be sent to you prior to the run/walk as there are several other major events in Downtown Columbia that night.
📜 Where can I pick up my packet?
Pickup Locations: Packet pick up will take place at the Columbia Convention Center on Thursday, September 11th from 4pm- 7pm and Friday, September 12th from 9am-6pm.
🎟️ Do I have to wear my bib number?
Bib Display: Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment.
💧 Will water be available?
Water Stations: Yes, two water stations will be available along the route, and there will be water available at the finish.
🎒 What can you bring to the event?
Allowed Items: Backpacks, diaper bags, etc. are allowed.
🍼 Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
Allowed: One can run with a stroller, backpack, or wheelchair.
Prohibited: Roller blades or bicycles are NOT allowed.