Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Outer Banks, NC

What is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

• Honoring Heroes: The Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk 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.
• Remembering 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!
• Community Togetherness: This will be the 3rd Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk here in the Outer Banks, and we are excited to bring our community together to honor first responders, our servicemen and servicewomen, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs.
• Other Events: Additional Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walks in North Carolina include Hope Mills, Swansboro, and The Triangle (Raleigh) as well as there are two Tower Climbs in Charlotte and Raleigh.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

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

Where can I pick up my packet?

• Pickup Location: TBD
• Shirt Sizes: Please note - we do not guarantee shirt sizes. Shirts are first come, first serve.

Can I register the day of the run?

• Registration Cost: Yes, though registration costs will increase by an additional $5.
• T-Shirt Availability: We can't guarantee we will have enough t-shirts so it's recommended to register early.

Do I have to wear my bib number?

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

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

• Fast Runners: Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minutes per mile will be encouraged to move to the front corral (arrive early).

Will there be awards for running?

• Event Nature: No, this event is not timed. This event is intended to be an experience and much more than a run.

Will water be available?

• Water Stations: Yes, a water station will be available along the route and there will be water available at the start/finish line.

What can you bring to the event?

• Permitted Items: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted.
• Personal Items: Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk.
• Liability: Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?

• Registration Fee: Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

• Proxy Pickup: Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. And don't forget to thank them!

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

• Post-Race Donations: Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?

• Sponsorship Inquiries: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to [email protected] with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

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

• Donation Contact: You can contact us at [email protected].
• Appreciation for Generosity: Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

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

• Fundraising Pages: Yes! Once you are registered, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page and you will be able to accept donations online.
• Donation Process: Contact us at [email protected] and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to ATTN: Colleen Grace/Outer Banks 5K - 2361 Hylan Boulevard., Staten Island, NY 10306.

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?

• Mailing Address: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Attn: Colleen Grace/Outer Banks 5K 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306.

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?

• Transfer Process: Yes. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will provide you with instructions for a participant transfer.

Can I get a refund?

• No Refund Policy: We do not provide refunds for the event regardless if you cannot make the date or the Foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances.
• Transfer Option: Registration may be transferred to another person.

How can I volunteer?

• Volunteering Contact: Email us at [email protected] and we will reply within 24 hours.
• Need for Volunteers: Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities.

Do registrants get receipts?

• Receipt Information: When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt. If paying by credit card or check that is your receipt. If paying in cash, receipt upon request.

Is there a medical staff available on-site?

• Medical Staff: Yes, there will be an Emergency Medical Service team available on site.
• Communication: There is also radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS.

Event Details

• Date: 2026-10-10
• Location: 1000 N. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, NC
• Race URL: Tunnel to