Tunnel to Towers Climb - Capital Region, NY

What is a Tunnel To Towers Climb?

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

Climb Details

• Floors: You will be climbing up to the 42nd Floor (Observation Deck)– 2 flights per floor.
• Steps: The number of steps varies per flight. There are a total of 809 steps!
• Bailout Floors: There will be opportunities to end your climb on floors 10, 20, and 31. Water stations will also be available on all floors.
• Medical Assistance: There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency.

Climbing Experience

• Hallways: Yes, there are 2 hallways included on floor 17 and 32 – where the stairway will switch from turning right to left and back to right.
• Stairwell Direction: The stairwell winds to the right: it will turn at floors 17 (left) and 32 (right).
• Registration Limit: We are limiting the event to 500 participants – register early to ensure your spot!
• Climb Duration: This depends on how many floors you climb and your fitness level. Elite Climbers may finish in less than 10 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-40 minutes.

Event Logistics

• Timed Climb: Yes, you will receive a chip and a bib for the climb.
• Climber Instructions: Climber can stop on a landing to catch their breath: slower climbers should stay right.
• First Responder Gear: Yes, you may wear turnout gear: we encourage it!
• Registration Packet: Packet pick up will be on the day of the climb, September 20th, 2026.

Event Day Information

• Arrival Time: The event will start with an opening ceremony at 8:00 AM: all participants must have their bibs.
• Location: Use 5 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY for GPS: enter through the underground concourse.
• Parking: Free parking is available at the East Garage and the New York State Museum on weekends.
• Bag Check: Due to security regulations, please do not bring bags: there will be no bag check.

Climb Experience and Safety

• Water Stations: Yes, there will be water stations on every floor, including start and finish lines.
• Finish Line: Friends and family can wait at a designated finish line area, but it is limited in size.
• Event T-Shirt: All participants will receive an event t-shirt and a finisher's medal if registered in advance.
• Entry Fees: Non-first responders $45: first responders and military $40: kids 11-17 $20: kids under 10 free (with parent/guardian).

Fundraising and Donations

• Fundraising Minimum: This year, we are removing the fundraising minimum.
• Fund Allocation: Proceeds benefit programs for first responders and military heroes.
• Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 10 years old on event day.
• Entry Fee Tax Deductibility: The entry fee is not tax-deductible: all donations raised above it are deductible.

Team Registration

• Forming a Team: You can create a team during online registration.
• Team Size Limit: There is no limit: however, competitive categories require a minimum number of members.
• Joining a Team: Select the "Join a Team" option during registration.
• Group Registration: Group registrations are not available: each participant must register individually.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Tower Climb, please email CapitalRegion@t2t.org.

Additional Information

Please register by mid-August to receive a t-shirt in your size. For more details, visit the event page: Tunnel to Towers Climb - Capital Region.