Tunnel to Towers Climb - Tampa, FL

🏃‍♂️ What is a Tunnel to Towers Climb?

The National Tunnel to Towers Run, Walk & Climb 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.

🏢 How long is the T2T Tower Climb at Tampa City Center?

You will be climbing up to the 41st floor and ending on the roof! That’s 861 steps! (The timing of the climb officially ends on the 39th floor but there are two additional flights to get to the roof.)

🔢 How many steps are there per flight?

The number of steps varies per flight.

🤔 Do I have to climb all the way to the 39th floor or the roof in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?

• Bailout options: No, there will be several bailout floors throughout the climb.
• Optional climb: Going to the roof after completing the official climb on the 39th floor is optional.
• Recommended: But we recommend you do it to check out the breathtaking views and to celebrate your achievement with the other climbers!

🚪 How many bailout floors are there?

• Bailout floors: There will be several opportunities to bail out on floors 13, 22, & 31.
• Water stations: Water stations will also be available on those three floors.

🔄 Can I climb more than one time up?

Yes, after your first climb, please take the elevator down to the first level. You may rejoin the line and climb as many times as you would like until the closing ceremony begins.

🚑 Will there be medical assistance if necessary?

There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency.

🏞️ Will hallways be included in the climb distance?

Yes, participants will have to pass through one hallway on the 39th floor to transition from stairwell 1 to stairwell 2 to complete the climb. There are no other transition points.

↻ What direction does the stairwell wind?

The stairwell winds to the right.

🙌 Is there a limit on how many people can register?

No! The more the merrier.

⏳ How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?

This depends on how many floors you climb, and on your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Elite Climbers may finish the 41-story climb in 6 minutes or less, while the average participant should take about 25-45 minutes to finish. Please Note: All climbers must use the elevator or the other stairwell to go down (not the main stairway).

⏱️ Is this a timed climb?

Yes. Timing chips will be attached to the back of your bib and will record your finish time. The timing chip should remain affixed to your bib. In order to receive an accurate time, please make sure your bib is clearly visible on the FRONT of the torso.

Check back the day before the event for information on wave assignments and the link to the website with official results!

🏃‍♀️ Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?

Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way. Slower climbers should move to the left, allowing faster climbers to pass on the right.

😩 I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?

No problem if you cannot finish. Just find a volunteer or staff member who can escort you to the nearest rest area and direct you to an elevator.

👮‍♂️ I’m a first responder/military. Can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, Scott pack, service/utility/combat uniform, etc.?

Yes, you may wear your uniform with gear. In fact, we encourage it!

🏃 What is an "Elite Climber"?

An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers.

📱 Can I bring my cell phone?

Yes, you may bring your cell phone.

📦 Packet Pick-up info?

TBD

📅 When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and t-shirt)?

• Date: Registration packet pickup will be on Friday, October 31st from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the esplanade at 201 N. Franklin Street, the site of the climb.
• Day of event: On Saturday, November 1st (day of event), you can pick up your bib and t-shirt starting at 7:00 am in the esplanade. All climbers MUST have a bib in order to participate. Non-bibbed spectators are welcome to cheer on climbers.

🕖 Event Day Information

🕗 What time should I arrive at Tampa City Center?

• Opening: We will be open at 7:00 am for new registration and packet pick up.
• Ceremony: Please plan to arrive in time for the Opening Ceremony at 8:00 am.
• Schedule: 8:00 am: Opening Ceremony, 8:30 am: Elite climbers and first responders/military climb.

🕓 Why am I being assigned a start time?

Climbers' start times must be staggered with First Responders/Military and Elite Climbers starting in the first waves. This is done in order to ensure that the stairways aren’t congested and to ensure everyone's safety in the stairwells.

📧 When will I receive my start time?

Wave assignments will be emailed to you a few days before the event.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I want to climb with my team, family or a group of friends. Will we be able to start the climb together?

Yes, but you must be part of a team in order to be assigned the same start time. Please make sure to indicate what team you are climbing with when you register.

👥 Are team members assigned the same start times?

Yes, team members will be assigned the same start time UNLESS a team member indicates that he or she is an elite climber while the rest of the team is not. All elite climbers will be assigned to one of the initial waves. Check back shortly for information on wave assignments.

🧑‍🚒 Can I climb in my bunker/turnout gear, Scott packs, service/utility/combat uniform, etc.?

Yes, First Responders and military only.

🎒