Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY

Sherman Drive & Memorial Parkway, Utica NY

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

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.
Mission: 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.
Event Scope: We are now the T2T 5K run/walk event for all of Central New York, including Utica, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, and surrounding areas.

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Start Time: Run/walk starts at 9:11 am: opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 am.
Event Significance: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, honoring those lost.
Location: The event starts at the Utica 9/11 Memorial located at Sherman Drive & The Parkway (near MVCC).

Course: The event will proceed over the Parkway to Oneida St, northbound on Oneida St to Genesee St, then to the downtown finish line.
Activities: There will be live entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, vendors, and a closing ceremony with awards.
Distance: This is a 5K (3.1 miles) event.
Inclusivity: Anyone can participate by running, walking, or experiencing this event.

Location: Packet pickup will be at The Sneaker Store, 24 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY.
Dates: Pickup will be available on Friday, August 14 from 3 pm to 7 pm and Saturday, August 16 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Race Day Pickup: Available at the finish line area starting at 7:30 AM on race day.
Day-of Registration: On-site registration opens at 7:30 am: online registration until 8:45 am.

Closing Ceremony: Live music begins at 9:45 am: ceremony starts at 11:00 am.
After Party: An annual after party will take place starting at 12 noon with live entertainment.
Vendors: Various vendors, children’s activities, and food trucks will be available.
Enjoy the day: Make a day of the CNY T2T event by joining us for the post-race festivities!

On-Street Parking: Available in the blocks surrounding the finish line area.
Lot Parking: Available at the MVCC lot on the Sherman Drive side near the gymnasium.
Shuttle Service: Buses will shuttle participants from the finish area to the start from 7:30 am to 8:45 am.
Post-Event Shuttle: No shuttle buses will run after the event: plan accordingly.

Bib Number: Display your bib on the front of your outermost garment: those without bibs will be asked to leave the course.
Fast Runners: Runners predicting a pace faster than 7 minutes/mile are encouraged to position themselves at the front of the start corral.
Awards: Awards will honor first responders: various categories for fastest in turnout gear, uniforms, and fundraising efforts.
Water Stations: Available along the route and at the finish line.

Permissible Items: Strollers, wheelchairs, firefighter turnouts, and military backpacks are allowed.
Registration Fee: Does not count toward fundraising goals.
Packet Pickup by Others: Possible with a copy of your registration receipt.
Post-Race Donations: Accepted for six weeks after the event.

Sponsorship: Contact centralny@t2t.org for sponsorship inquiries.
Donation of Goods: Contact centralny@t2t.org for donation options.
Fundraising: Participants can raise funds and create personal fundraising pages.
Medical Support: Emergency Medical Services will be available during the event.

Registration: Virtual participants can run or walk the event from anywhere.
Virtual Incentives: Must pick up your t-shirt at the packet pickup: no shipping available.

Address for Donations: Tunnel to Towers Foundation
ATTN: Alyssa Fussillo CNY
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Registration Transfers: Possible through your runsignup.com account or via centralny@t2t.org.
Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued: registration may be transferred to another person.
Volunteer Opportunities: Email centralny@t2t.org to volunteer for event festivities.

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