1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia SC
Friday, September 4th, 2026
🏃♀️ What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk?
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. 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! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit t2t.org.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. On Friday, September 4, 2026 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?
This is a 5k (3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event.
📍 Race Location?
- Venue: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
- Address: 1101 Lincoln Street
- City: Columbia, SC
- Zip: 20201
🕒 Can I get a timing chip?
Yes, this is a timed race. All registrants who complete online registration at Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC (runsignup.com) will be chip timed.
⏳ When do Online Sales Close?
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
🎽 When is packet pickup?
Packet Pick Up: Thursday, Sept 3rd from 4 pm- 7 pm and Friday, Sept 4th 9am - 6pm at the Convention Center - The race starts at 7 pm. Registration will officially close on Friday Sept. 4th at 7:00 pm. Please note that shirt sizes are not guaranteed. Shirts are first come, first serve.
👕 Will I get a Tunnel to Towers Event T-shirt?
We will do our best to accommodate all registrants. If you register late (after August 3, 2026), we will not guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.
💸 Can I get a refund? Can I transfer my registration?
Unfortunately, ALL SALES ARE FINAL and we do not allow refunds. However, you may transfer your registration to another participant.
📧 What do I do if I lose my email confirmation?
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?
All T-shirt sizes will need to be changed before the August 3rd deadline.
🅿️ Where can I park?
Convention center parking lot before 5:30pm and Public/Columbia City parking garages and street parking.
👮 Who is a Hero?
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. First responders should register for this discounted rate and be prepared to provide official identification, if requested.
🏆 What is the First Responder Team Competition?
For firefighters: The Stephen G. Siller Steel Award: This stately award will display a piece of the Twin Towers steel and can be won by the fire department which has a team of 5 participate by running in turnout gear: 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, at which time the award will be transferred to the next winning team. Win it again, and the team keeps it for another year! Please note: Our equipment policy for participating in the Siller Steel Award is that competitors must run in jackets (no liner), pants, helmet, and running shoes. No tank or boots are required.
After all five firefighters from a team have registered online (using the Hero Rate), please send the team name and five firefighters' names to Columbia@t2t.org.
🥇 Are there participation medals and awards?
Yes, we will have participation medals in 2026. There are individual awards for the following categories:
- Overall Awards: Top 3 - 6 total awards
- Master awards: Top 3 - 6 total awards
- Grand Masters: Top 3 - 6 total awards
- Age Group awards: Top 3 - 90 awards
🚗 Is there parking available?
Yes, there is parking available nearby. 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, and only certain areas and nearby lots will be designated for our participants' use.
📦 Where can I pick up my packet?
Packet pick up will take place at the Columbia Convention Center on Thursday, September 3rd from 4pm- 7pm and Friday, September 4th from 9am-6pm. Please note that shirt sizes are not guaranteed. Shirts are first come, first serve.
🔖 Do I have to wear my bib number?
Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment.
💧 Will water be available?
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?
Backpacks, diaper bags, etc. are allowed.
👶 Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
One can run with a stroller, backpack, or wheelchair. Roller blades or bicycles are NOT allowed.
🐶 Is this event dog friendly?
Yes, Please make sure your dog is leashed and in accordance with City of Columbia Animal Ordinances, Animal Ordinance - City of Columbia - Animal Services (columbiasc.gov).
👥 How can I volunteer?
It’s simple! Click on the volunteer option while above and enter your information to sign up. Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC (runsignup.com) Thank you!
