830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro NC
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
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, after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers.
- Commemoration: We honor all of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty!
- Community Event: This will be the 6th year in Swansboro, and we are excited to bring our community together once again to HONOR our Military & First Responders, REMEMBER 9/11, and raise funds to DO GOOD through the Tunnel to Towers programs.
- Foundation Info: For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.T2T.org.
How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk?
- Event Distance: This is a 5K (3.1 miles) event.
- Inclusivity: Though the event will be timed, people of ANY age and ability are welcome to come out and run/walk…wheel, stroller, skip or…
- Route Info: Click here for route: Click here.
Packet Pickup Information
- Date & Time: We will have packet pickup on Friday night, 9/18 from 4-7 pm at the Swansboro Rec Center – the site of the event the next day.
- Morning Pickup: You may also pick up your packet on the morning of the event - from 6-7:30 am at the Rec Center.
- T-Shirt Info: Shirt sizes are NOT guaranteed and are FCFS. i.e. - the sooner you pick up your packet, the better chance you have of getting your shirt in the size you selected at registration.
- Note: Virtual runners are NOT eligible to receive shirts.
Registration Information
- Day of Registration: Yes. Online registration will stay open until 07:30 the morning of the event, and we will also be set up to allow registration on-site until then.
- Bib Requirement: Yes. Please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment.
- Timing Chip: The bib holds the timing chip so, without it, you will not get your race time.
Running and Awards
- Frontline Position: Our First Responders/Military members lead out the 5K.
- Seeded Runners: Runners predicting a pace faster than a 7 min/mi will be seeded in the front corral - behind our starters.
- Awards: Yes. 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.
Water and Supplies
- Water Stations: Yes. There will be 3 water stations along the route.
- Finish Line Supplies: There will also be water, fruit & snacks at the finish line.
- Course Regulations: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the course. Firefighter turnout gear & military backpacks are also permitted.
- Personal Items: Please leave all personal items/valuables locked securely in your vehicle. Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.
Fundraising and Donations
- Registration Fee: No. The registration fee does not count toward your fundraising goal.
- Packet Pickup by Others: Yes. Please ensure they have a copy of your registration confirmation.
- Post-Event Donations: Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.
- Sponsorship Info: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to Swansboro@:t2t.org with your contact information, and someone will be in touch with you.
Volunteering and Registration Details
- Fundraising Capabilities: Yes! When you register, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page.
- Offline Donations: Please mail any offline donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, ATTN: Colleen Grace/Swansboro 5K, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
- Refund Policy: We do not provide refunds for the event.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Signup online as to Volunteer through our registration link or email us at Swansboro@:t2t.org.
Medical Support
- Medical Staff: 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.
