Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY

🕊️ What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk?

• Purpose: The Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk & Climb 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.
• Honor the Fallen: Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support 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 www.t2t.org.
• Location: This event will take place in Utica, marking the 5th anniversary of the CNY run/walk.

📅 When is the 2025 Utica Tunnel to Towers 5K Run / Walk?

• Date: Sunday August 17, 2025.
• Start Time: Run / walk starts at 9 am.
• Opening Ceremonies: Begin at 8:45 am.
• Encouragement: We encourage everyone to come early enough to be part of our ceremonies which will honor and remember those lost on 9/11.

📍 Where does the event start and finish?

• Starting Point: The event will start at the Utica 9/11 Memorial located at Sherman Drive & The Parkway (near MVCC).
• Route: It will proceed westbound over the Parkway to Oneida St, northbound on Oneida St to Genesee St, then northbound on Genesee St to the downtown finish line.
• Activities: There will be live entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, vendors and our closing ceremony with awards.
• Plan: Plan on sticking around after the run/walk!

🏃‍♂️ How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

• Distance: This is a 5K (3.1 miles) to walk or run this event.
• Participation: Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.

📦 Where can I pick up my packet?

• Pickup Location: Packet pickup will be at The Sneaker Store, 24 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY.
• Date: Pickup will be Saturday August 16 from 9 am to 4 pm.
• Race Day Pickup: Available at the FINISH LINE AREA, starting at 7:30 am on race day.

📝 Can I register the day of the run?

• Registration Open: Yes, registration will open at 7:30 am the morning of the run.
• Shirt Sizes: Please note if you wait to register after online registration ends, we cannot guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.
• Process: All day-of registrations will be paperless and done via QR code.

🎉 Is there a post race party or closing ceremony after the run/walk?

• Live Music: Live music by Poor Tim begins at 10 am.
• Ceremony: Closing ceremony, with guest speakers and awards, will begin at 11:00 am.
• After Party: The Celtic Harp will be hosting an after party with live entertainment starting at 12 noon.
• Join Us: Make a day of the CNY T2T event and join us for the ceremony and after party!

🚗 Is there parking or shuttles available?

• Parking: On street parking will be available in the blocks surrounding the finish line area.
• Location: Parking will also be available at the MVCC lot on the Sherman Drive side, near the gymnasium.
• Shuttle Buses: Buses will run from 7:30 am to 8:45 am to shuttle participants from the finish area to the start.
• Note: THERE WILL BE NO SHUTTLE BUSES RUNNING AFTER THE EVENT.

🏷️ Do I have to wear my bib number?

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

🏆 Will there be awards for running?

• Awards Philosophy: Our mission is to honor first responders: most awards are based on firefighters, police or military running in gear.
• Category Awards: Awards will include Fastest Male/Female Firefighter in Turnout Gear, and Fastest Male/Female Police Officer in Uniform.
• Group Awards: An award will be presented for the organization/group who raises the most money through fundraising efforts.
• Runner Awards: Overall Male/Female finisher awards, as well as Male/Female age group awards (10 year groups).

💧 Will water be available?

• Water Station: Yes, a water station will be available along the route.
• Finish Line: Water will also be available at the finish line.

🎒 What can you bring to the event?

• Permitted Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, as well as firefighter turnouts and military backpacks.
• Valuables: Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle.

💵 Does my registration fee or sponsorship count towards my fundraising goal?

• Registration Impact: Your registration fee or sponsorship does not count toward the fundraising goal.

👥 Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

• Approval: Yes, they must present a copy of your registration receipt.
• Gratitude: And don't forget to thank them!

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

• Donation Period: Yes, donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

📞 How can my company/organization sponsor this event?

• Inquiry: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to centralny@:t2t.org with your contact information.

🎁 I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?

• Contact Us: You can contact us at centralny@:t2t.org.
• Appreciation: Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

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