Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY

🏃‍♂️ What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk?

The 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 through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. 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! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.

🎉 Event Overview

• Location: Sherman Drive & Memorial Parkway, Utica, NY.
• Date: 2025-08-17.
• Participants: This will be the 4th annual Central New York event.
• Goals: Raise funds for the foundation's programs and honor local heroes.

⏰ Race Day Details

• Start Time: Run/walk starts at 9 am, with opening ceremonies at 8:45 am.
• Start/Finish Location: Begins at Utica 9/11 Memorial and ends downtown.
• Distance: A 5K (3.1 miles) event open to all.
• Packet Pickup: Available at The Sneaker Store from 9 am to 4 pm on August 17, and at the finish line on race day starting at 7:30 am.

🍽️ Post-Race Celebration

• Live Music: Performance by Poor Tim at 10 am.
• Awards Ceremony: Begins at 11:00 am, includes guest speakers and vendor activities.
• After Party: Starting at noon with The Celtic Harp hosting live entertainment.
• Events: Various vendors, children’s activities, and food trucks available.

🛑 Registration Information

• Day of Registration: Opens at 7:30 am: however, shirts cannot be guaranteed.
• Paperless Registration: Must register online and pay via credit card.
• Bib Requirement: Must display bib on the front of your outermost garment.
• Team Registration: It's important to form teams for group fundraising.

🚗 Parking and Transportation

• Parking: On-street parking will be available near the finish line and at the MVCC lot.
• Shuttle Service: Buses available from the finish area to the start before the event.
• No Post-Event Shuttle: Plan accordingly as there will be no shuttle buses after the event.
• Accessibility: Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Please leave valuables in your vehicle.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

• Categories: Fastest Male/Female firefighter, police officer, and military member in turnouts/uniforms.
• Community Awards: For the organization/group that raises the most money.
• Traditional Awards: Overall Male/Female finisher awards and age group awards.
• Incentives: Participation and fundraising incentives available each year.

🌊 Event Logistics and Supplies

• Water Stations: Stations along the route and at the finish line.
• Personal Items: Secure storage of personal items is at the owner’s risk.
• Donations: Accepted for 6 weeks after the race. Contact for details.
• Sponsorship: Inquiries can be sent to centralny@t2t.org.

👥 Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteering: Email centralny@t2t.org for volunteer opportunities.
• Volunteering Registration: Participants can register as volunteers online.
• Post-Race Support: Always needed for event day activities.
• Medical Assistance: Emergency Medical Services will be present on the day of the event.

🔄 Registration Changes

• Transfer Registration: Can be done through runsignup.com or by contacting us.
• Refund Policy: No refunds will be provided: registration may only be transferred.
• Receipt for Registration: Automatically emailed upon online registration.
• Offline Donations: Check donations should be mailed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

💡 Fundraising Support

Participants can create personal fundraising pages and accept donations online. For further assistance, contact centralny@t2t.org.

📜 Additional Information

For more details about the race, visit Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY.