Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY

What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk?

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 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! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.

• Event Purpose: Honor Stephen Siller and all lives lost on 9/11.
• Central NY Event: This is the T2T 5K run/walk for Central New York.
• Annual Occasion: It will be the 6th annual event held in Utica.
• Anniversary: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

When is the 2026 Utica Tunnel to Towers 5K Run / Walk?

Sunday, August 16, 2026. Run/walk starts at 9:11 am. Opening ceremonies with guest speakers will begin at 8:30 am. We encourage everyone to come early enough to be part of our ceremonies which will honor and remember those lost on 9/11.

• Date: August 16, 2026.
• Start Time: 9:11 am for run/walk.
• Ceremony Time: 8:30 am with guest speakers.
• Encouragement: Arrive early to participate in the ceremonies.

Where does the event start and finish?

The event will start at the Utica 9/11 Memorial located at Sherman Drive & The Parkway (near MVCC). 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. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, vendors and our closing ceremony with awards, so plan on sticking around after the run/walk!!

• Start Location: Utica 9/11 Memorial at Sherman Drive & The Parkway.
• Route: Westbound over the Parkway, northbound on Oneida St and Genesee St.
• Finish Line: Downtown finish line on Genesee St.
• Post-Event Activities: Entertainment, food, vendors, and closing ceremony awards.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

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

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles).
• Participation: Open to everyone to run or walk.

Where can I pick up my packet?

Packet pickup will be at The Sneaker Store, 24 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY. Pickup will be Friday August 14 from 3 pm to 7 pm AND Saturday August 16 from 9 am to 3 pm. Race day pickup will also be available at the FINISH LINE AREA, in front of the State Office Building, at T2T Tent on Genesee St, Utica starting at 7:30 AM day of the race.

• Pickup Location: The Sneaker Store, New Hartford, NY.
• Days: August 14 (3 pm - 7 pm) and August 16 (9 am - 3 pm).
• Race Day Pickup: Available at the finish line area starting at 7:30 AM.

Can I register the day of the run?

Yes. On site registration will open at 7:30 am the morning of the run and online registration will be open until 8:45 am the morning of the event. Please note if you wait to register after August 1, we cannot guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.

• On-site Registration: Opens at 7:30 am on race day.
• Online Registration: Available until 8:45 am on race day.
• Shirt Availability: Not guaranteed after August 1.

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

Yes!! Live music by Poor Tim begins at 9:45 am and our closing ceremony, with guest speakers and awards, will begin at 11:00 am on Genesee St. in front of the State Office Building. We will also have various vendors, children’s activities and food trucks. After the actual T2T event, starting at 12 noon, our annual after party will take place with live entertainment and specials for all participants. Make a day of the CNY T2T event and join us for the after party!

• Live Music: Starts at 9:45 am.
• Closing Ceremony: Begins at 11:00 am.
• Post Event Party: Starts at 12 noon with entertainment.

Is there parking or shuttles available?

Yes. On street parking will be available in the blocks surrounding the finish line area. Parking will also be available at the MVCC lot on the Sherman Drive side, near the gymnasium. Buses will be available to shuttle participants from the finish area to the start as well before the event only. Buses will run from 7:30 am to 8:45 am. THERE WILL BE NO SHUTTLE BUSES RUNNING AFTER THE EVENT SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

• Parking: Available near the finish line area and MVCC lot.
• Shuttle Buses: Operate from 7:30 am to 8:45 am only.
• Post-Event Shuttle: Not available, plan accordingly.

Do I have to wear my bib number?

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

• Bib Requirement: Must be displayed on outermost garment.
• Course Compliance: No bib, no finish.

I am a fast runner. Can I get a front line position?

Runners predicting a pace faster than 7 minutes/mile are encouraged to find a spot near the front of the start corral (arrive early). One side will be dedicated for competitive runners while the other side will be for members of various services in uniform / turnout gear.

• Speed Preference: For paces faster than 7 minutes/mile.
• Start Corral: Designated sections for competitive runners and uniformed services.

Will there be awards for running?

Yes, we keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders, most of our awards are based on firefighters, police or military running in gear in the same fashion that Stephen Siller did on 9/11. This event is intended to be an experience and much more than a race. Awards will include Fastest Male/Female Firefighter IN TURNOUT GEAR (running shoes HIGHLY recommended over turnout boots), Fastest Male/Female Police Officer IN UNIFORM, and Fastest Male/Female Military member IN UNIFORM. Awards for most members from a group or organization will also be awarded (Does NOT have to all be in turnouts/uniform) and can