Purpose: The Tunnel to Towers 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: We 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 t2t.org.
🏢 How many floors in the Corning Tower?
Floors: You will be climbing up to the 42nd Floor (Observation Deck)– 2 flights per floor.
🪜 How many steps are there per flight?
Steps: The number of steps varies per flight. There are a total of 809 steps!
🔄 Do I have to climb all the way to the 42nd Floor in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?
Bailout Floors: No, there will be bailout floors throughout the climb.
🏥 How many bailout floors are there?
Available Options: There will be opportunities to end your climb on floors 10, 20 and 31.
Water Stations: Water stations will also be available on those 3 floors.
🚑 Will there be Medical assistance if necessary?
Medics: There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency.
📐 Will hallways be included in the climb distance?
Included: Yes, there are 2 hallways included on floor 17 and 32.
🔁 What direction does the stairwell wind (to the left or to the right)?
Wind Direction: The stairwell winds to the right.
Switching: They will switch which way they wind at floors 17 (turning left) and 32 (turning right).
🔢 Is there a limit on how many people can register?
Participant Limit: We are limiting the event to 500 participants.
Registration Timing: The earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to take part in this unique event!
⏳ How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?
Duration: This depends on how many floors you climb, your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas.
Elite Climbers: Elite Climbers may finish the 42-story climb in less than 10 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-40 minutes to finish.
🏁 Is this a timed climb?
Timing: Yes, you will be given a chip from the timing company.
Visible Bib: Please make sure your bib number is visible on the front of you.
😌 Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?
Stopping: Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you.
Passing: Slower climbers should move to the right, allowing faster climbers to pass on the left.
🙌 I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?
Assistance: No problem, just find a volunteer or staff member who can escort you to the nearest rest area and direct you to an elevator.
👨🚒 I’m a first responder: can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, scott packs, etc.?
Gear: Yes, you may wear turnout gear: in fact, we encourage it!
🏃♂️ What is an "Elite Climber"?
Definition: An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs.
General Pace: Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers: the average participant will climb at a moderate pace.
📱 Can I bring my cell phone?
Allowed: Yes, only registered climbers may enter the stairs with cell phones.
📋 When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and T-shirt)?
Packet Pickup: Our packet pick up will be on Saturday Sept 21st from 10am to 2pm in the Executive Room at the Holiday Inn Express in Latham.
Address: The address is 400 Old Loudon Rd Latham NY.
🕗 What time should I arrive at Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Concourse, Albany, NY?
Ceremony Start: The event will begin with a ceremony at 8:00am (about ½ hr).
Participant Entry: Elite Climbers will begin 8:30-8:45 am. All participants must have their bibs in order to participate in the event.
Building Access: All participants and supporters must enter into the building through the underground concourse: there will be no access at the plaza level for security reasons.
📍 How do I get to the Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Concourse in Albany, NY?
GPS Address: The address to use for your GPS is: 5 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY.
🅿️ Is parking available?
Free Parking: Free parking is available at the East Garage located at the corners of Madison Avenue, Eagle Street and Philip Street.
Museum Parking: In addition, the New York State Museum across the street offers free parking on weekends.
🎒 Is a bag check area provided?
Security Regulations: Due to strict security regulations, we ask that you please DO NOT bring any bags, backpacks, purses and/or valuables with you to the event.
Checked Items: The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.
📸 Are cameras allowed at the T2T Tower Climb?
Allowed: Yes, cameras and video are allowed - the foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.