Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Ankeny, IA

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 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 .

This will be the 6th year in the Des Moines area, and we are excited to once again 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?
To be announced - please keep an eye on our Facebook page, Tunnel to Towers Iowa, and/or your email inbox for additional updates. 

Can I register the day of the run? 
Yes. Registration will open at 7:30am the morning of the run. 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? 
Online registration will remain open until race day registration is closed. 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? 
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? 
This event is not timed so all participants will line-up at the start line when directed at time of race.

Will there be awards for running? 
Our mission is to honor first responders, therefore 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. The event is currently not timed. 

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

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!

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: Jen McGurk- 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: Jennifer McGurk T2T Ankeny 5k Run and Walk
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant? 
Yes. See information above OR contact us at [email protected] and we will manually change it in our system.

Can I get a refund? 
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. Registration may be transferred to another person.

How can I volunteer? 
It's simple! Email us at [email protected] and we will reply within 24 hours. Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities. 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 a medical staff available on-site? 
Yes, there will be an emergency medical personnel available on site. 

What safety measures are you taking regarding COVID-19?
We will be abiding by all local and state guidelines regarding masks and social distancing. Stay tuned for updates as the event gets closer.

Why is it required to answer YES or NO to the Covid-19 vaccination question?
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has followed all protocols and guidelines implemented since COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic. Each city and state currently have their own regulations in place, and Tunnel to Towers must be prepared and collect all data for whatever new guidelines may be implemented.

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 June 30, 2023 for winter and spring events, or October 10, 2023 for summer and fall events.