Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Swansboro, NC

What is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

• Purpose: 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.
• Community Involvement: This will be the 6th year in Swansboro, and we are excited to bring our community together to HONOR our military and first responders, REMEMBER 9/11, and raise funds to DO GOOD through the Tunnel to Towers programs.
• Foundation Information: For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.T2T.org.
• Event Date: The event will take place on 2026-09-19 at 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro, NC.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk?

• Distance: This is a 5K (3.1 miles) event.
• Participation: People of any age and ability are welcome to come out and participate.
• Timed Event: The event will be timed. Please click here for the route map!

How can I pick up my packet?

• Pickup Schedule: Packet pickup will be on Friday night, 9/18 from 4-7 pm at the Swansboro Rec Center, with additional pickup available on the morning of the event from 6-7:30 am.
• T-shirt Info: Shirt sizes are NOT guaranteed: distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Eligibility: Virtual runners are NOT eligible to receive shirts.

Can I register the day of the run?

• Online Registration: Online registration will remain open until 07:30 am on the morning of the event.
• On-Site Registration: Registration can also be done on-site until the same time.

Do I have to wear my bib number?

• Display Requirement: Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment.
• Timing Chip: The bib holds the timing chip, and you will not get your race time without it.

I am a fast runner. Can I get a frontline position?

• Corral Information: Our first responders/military members lead out the 5K.
• Seeded Position: Runners predicting a pace faster than 7 min/mi will be seeded in the front corral behind our starters.

Will there be awards for running?

• Medals: We will have medals to recognize the fastest finishers in several age/gender/group categories.
• Finisher Medals: There will be T2T-designed finisher medals for all who complete the course.

Will water be available?

• Water Stations: Yes, there will be 3 water stations along the route.
• Finish Line: Water, fruit, and snacks will also be available at the Finish Line.

What can I bring/wear to the event?

• Allowed: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the course: firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also allowed.
• Security: Please leave all personal items/valuables locked securely in your vehicle.
• Responsibility: Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?

• Fee Information: No, the registration fee does not count toward your fundraising goal.

Can someone else pick up my packet?

• Confirmation Required: Yes, please ensure they have a copy of your registration confirmation.

Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the event?

• Donation Period: Yes, donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor/donate goods & services to this event?

• Contact Information: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to Swansboro@:t2t.org with your contact information, and someone will be in touch with you.

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

• Fundraising Page: Yes! When you register, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page and accept donations online.
• Support Available: Please contact us at Swansboro@:t2t.org and we can walk you through the process.

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation?

• Mailing Address: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, ATTN: Colleen Grace/Swansboro 5K, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
• Check Payable To: Checks should be made payable to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation and please note: Swansboro 5K.

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?

• Transfer Process: Yes, please contact us at Swansboro@:t2t.org for registration transfer instructions.

Can I get a refund?

• Refund Policy: We do not provide refunds for the event: registration may be transferred to another person.

How can I volunteer?

• Signup Procedure: Signup online as to volunteer through our registration link or email us at Swansboro@:t2t.org.
• Volunteer Needs: Volunteers are needed for Friday’s packet pickup/site setup and for Saturday’s event/cleanup.

Do registrants get receipts?

• Receipt Confirmation: Yes. When you register online, you should automatically receive a receipt by email.

Will there be medical staff available on-site?

• Medical Assistance: Yes, there will be an Emergency Medical Service team available on-site.
• Communication: We will have radio communication on the course to communicate with the EMS.