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: 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!
More Information: For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.t2t.org.
Community Event: This will be our second Virginia Beach 5K and we are excited to bring together the community of Virginia Beach, so rich in its patronage to our service members stationed here, and to honor them alongside our Firefighters, Police Officers, and our first responders.
How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?
Distance: This is a 5K (approximately 3.1 miles) to walk or run this event.
Participation: Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.
Where can I pick up my packet?
Location: Packet Pick up will be at Murphy’s Irish Restaurant (2914 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451) on Saturday November 15th, from 1PM to 5PM.
Race Day: On the morning of the race starting at 0700 at the Pavilion Stage at 24th Street Park.
Can I register the day of the run?
Time: Yes. Registration will open at 7 AM the morning of the run.
Shirts: If you wait to register, we may not have a shirt for you and we do not guarantee sizes for late registrants but we will do our best!
When does online registration close?
Closing Time: Online registration will remain open until race day registration is closed.
Packet Pick-Up: If you register after packet pick-up, you may not receive your t-shirt and any other race day swag.
Do I have to wear my bib number?
Requirement: Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment.
Policy: 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?
Seeding: Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minutes/mile will be seeded in the front of the runners (arrive early).
Will there be awards for running?
Awards: Yes, we keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders.
Criteria: 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.
Will water be available?
Stations: Yes, three water stations 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.
Security: Please do not leave any personal items visible in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk.
Restrictions: No dogs are permitted at this event.
Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?
Fundraising: Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Proxy: Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt.
Gratitude: And don't forget to thank them!
Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the start of the race?
Donations: Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.
How can my company/organization sponsor this event?
Contact: Please send all sponsorship correspondence to virginiabeachrun@:t2t.org 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?
Contact: You can contact us at virginiabeachrun@:t2t.org.
Purpose: 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.
As a participant, can I fundraise/encourage others to donate?
Fundraising Page: 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.
Support: Do you want to donate cash/money? We can help you with that.
Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?
Address: Please mail any offline donations to:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
ATTN: Rori Englert
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Transfer: Yes. See information above OR contact us at virginiabeachrun@:t2t.org so we can change it in our system.
Can I get a 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?
Volunteer: It's simple! Email us at virginiabeachrun@:t2t.org and we will reply within 24 hours.
Need: Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities.
Do registrants get receipts?
Online Receipts: When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt.
Payment: If paying by credit card or check that is your receipt. If paying in cash, receipt upon request.