Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Big Pine Key, FL

What is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk? 
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 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 by supporting our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.

This event will be our fourth annual event and we are excited to bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk? 
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?

Pick up packets on November 20th at the Big Pine Key Community Park.

Big Pine Key Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Blvd, Big Pine Key,  5 p.m. To 7 p.m.  Grab some food at Pops BBQ (10% of proceeds go to Tunnel2Towers foundation), get your packet, enjoy the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team, the 9/11 mobile exhibit and a drone show!

You can also pick up your bib and tshirt the morning of the event at the venue at 7am when registraton opens.

 

Can I register the day of the run? 
Yes. Registration at the venue will open at 7 AM the morning of the run. You’ll save time and money if you register online before we close the website the night before. Those who wait to register will pay an additional $10 on the day of the run. In addition, if you wait to register, we may not have a shirt for you and we do not guarantee sizes for late registrants.

When does online registration close? 
*IMPORTANT* Registration will remain OPEN through Saturday, November 20, 2026 and close promptly at race time. Registration prices on race day will increase $10 for all registrations except for First Responders. You can register for the race online on your cell phone up until race time the morning at the event site - it opens at 7 AM.  NOTE:  **T-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed for late or same day registrants so please register early as possible.

Do I have to wear my bib number? 
Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. 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? 
Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minute/mile will be seeded in the first corral behind any first responders and/or military. (arrive early). NOTE: First Responders/Military should be called prior to the start of the event and will position at the front of the start line. Elite runners directly behind them.

Will there be awards for running? 
Placement awards will be given to the top finishers. We keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders, most of our awards are based on firefighters, police or military running in gear in the same fashion that Stephen Siller did on 9/11. This event is intended to be an experience and much more than a run. 

Will water be available? 
Yes, a water station will be available along the route and there will be water available at the start / finish.

Where can we park?
Parking is available at the Big Pine Community Park, overflow parking is available on neighboring streets. Please DO NOT park in driveways or on private property.

Can you tell me about the course?
This course is a flat closed road course starting near Big Pine Community Park entering surrounding neighborhoods and finishing back in the park! A portion of the race route is uneven.

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc? 
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted. Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal? 
Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me? 
Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. And don't forget to thank them!  Note: unfortunately we cannot mail packets.

Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the start of the race? 
Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event? 
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? 
You can contact us at [email protected]. We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Stephen Siller's name. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

As a participant, can I fundraise/encourage others to donate? 
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. Do you want to donate cash/money? We can help you with that. Contact us at [email protected] and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to ATTN: Big Pine Key 5K - 2361 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page. 

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?
Please mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
ATTN: Big Pine Key/Adam Santamaria
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant? 
Yes. Contact us at [email protected] and we will manually change it in our system. *All transfers must be completed before Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Can I get a refund? 
We do not provide refunds for the event regardless of if you cannot make the date or the foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances. Registration may be transferred to another person. *Transfers must be completed by November 6, 2025. 

How can I volunteer? 
It's simple! Go online and register as a volunteer. Volunteers are always needed for the day of the event. Thank you!

Do registrants get receipts? 
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 medical staff available on-site? 
Yes, there will be an Emergency Medical Service team available on site. There is also radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS.

Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives? 
Yes, we offer fundraising incentives each year; check out our latest in our Fundraising Guide. To qualify, complete your fundraising by mid December 2025.