Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC

What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk? 
The Tunnel to Towers 5K 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. It honors all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and supports 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 t2t.org. 

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of 9-11. On Friday, September 8th 2023 thousands of people will run or walk to honor first responders and remember all of those lives lost on 9-11. 

How Far is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk? 
This is a 5k (3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event. 

Race Location? 
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street 
Columbia, SC US 20201 

Can I get a timing chip? 
Yes, this is a timed race. 

All registrants who complete online registration, Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC (runsignup.com) will be chip timed. 

When do Online Sales Close? 
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM. 

When is packet pickup?
Packet Pick Up: Thursday Sept 7th from 4 pm- 7 pm and Friday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm at the Convention Center - The race starts at 7 pm. Registration will officially close on Friday Sept. 8th at 7:00 pm. 

Will I get a Tunnel to Towers event T-shirt? 
We will do our best to accommodate all registrants. If you register late (after August 7, 2023), we will not guarantee shirts or shirt sizes. 

Can I get a refund? Can I transfer my registration? 
Unfortunately, ALL SALES ARE FINAL and we do not allow refunds. However, you may transfer your registration to another participant. 

What do I do if I lose my email confirmation? 
If you can't locate it and you are sure you registered DON'T STRESS. You'll be on our list so we can check you in at packet pick up. 

What do I do if I'd like to change my T-shirt size? 
We have shirts so as long as you aren't switching to sizes that are limited (XXL or XXXL or children sizes) you'll be fine. We don't need to change it in the back end. 

Where can I park? 
Convention center parking lot, DOT (Dept of Transportation) garage *after 5 pm Who is a Hero? 

Every first responder--- firefighter, law enforcement officer, EMS/paramedic, and/or past or present member of our US Armed Forces (including National Guard)--- is an important HERO in our community. First responders should register for this discounted rate and be prepared to provide official identification, if requested. 

What is the First Responder Team Competition? 
For firefighters: The Stephen G. Siller Steel Award: This stately award will display a piece of the Twin Towers steel and can be won by the fire department which has a team of 5 participate by running in turnout gear; the four fastest times of their team members will be combined for the team’s total. The team with the fastest combined time will win the award and will have it to display in their station until the next year's run, at which time the award will be transferred to the next winning team. Win it again, and the team keeps it for another year! Please note: Our equipment policy for participating in the Siller Steel Award is that competitors must run in jackets (no liner), pants, helmet, and running shoes. No tank or boots are required. 

After all five firefighters from a team have registered online (using the Hero Rate), please send the team name and five firefighters' names to [email protected]. 

Are there participation medals and awards?
There are no participation medals. There are individual awards for the following categories;

Overall Awards - Top 3 - 6 total awards 
Master awards - Top 3 - 6 total awards 
Grand Masters - Top 3 - 6 total awards 
Age Group awards- Top 3 - 90 awards 

Where can I pick up my packet? 
Packet pick up will take place at the Columbia Convention Center on Thursday, September 7th from 4 pm- 7 pm and Friday, September 8th from 9:30 am-5:30 pm. 

Do I have to wear my bib number? 
Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. 

Will water be available? 
Yes, two water stations will be available along the route, and there will be water available at the finish. 

What can you bring to the event? 
Backpacks, diaper bags, etc. are allowed. 

Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
One can run with a stroller, backpack, or wheelchair. Roller blades or bicycles are NOT allowed. 

Is this event dog friendly?
Yes, Please make sure your dog is leashed and in accordance with City of Columbia Animal Ordinances, Animal Ordinance - City of Columbia - Animal Services (columbiasc.gov).

How can I volunteer? 
It's simple! Click on the volunteer option while above and enter your information to sign up. Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC (runsignup.com) Thank you! 

The purpose of our race is to raise funds to build smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans, and we couldn’t do it without you! Our race runs on volunteers. Everything from registration and packet pick up and staffing water stations. The needs are many and this is your opportunity to be a part of history. 

Race Registration Volunteers: These individuals will assist interested runners complete their race registration on the day of the race, if they have not already done so. This is primarily a stationary position at the registration booth. AM, mid-morning and PM shifts are available. (5-8 per shift) 

Packet Pick Up Volunteers: These individuals will interact with the already registered runners to assist them in picking up their packets which will include their runner bibs, t-shirts, etc. This is primarily a stationary position at the registration/packet pick up table. AM, mid-morning and PM shifts are available. (5-8 per shift) 

T-shirt volunteers: These volunteers will back up the Packet Pick Up volunteers and pull shirts by size as they are called out by the PPU volunteers. This job may require some heavy lifting. AM, mid-morning and PM shifts are available. (5-8 per shift) 

Water Stations: There are 3 water stations on the course. Each one requires at least 15 volunteers. All materials for this station (water coolers, water, ice, cups) are provided. These positions are on the outer areas of the course. Your organization may set up banners and signs advertising your group at your water station as long as they do not impede the runners. This position requires mobility and possibly heavy lifting. Must be in position no later than 6 pm. 

Parking Lot Monitors: Teams of 2 or more will patrol on foot in the parking areas. Responsibilities will only be to be a set of eyes in the parking areas. Law enforcement will handle any security issues. This is a PM shift only between 5:30-9 pm. 

343: On 9/11/2001, we lost 343 first responders when the Twin Towers fell. At our race, we have poster size photographs of each of those heroes. We are looking for 343 volunteers to hold those signs on a portion of the race course. This position requires standing from 6:45-8:00 pm. 

Other opportunities are available as well…. Please register today as a volunteer.

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. 

Contact us at [email protected] and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation - Attn: Adam Santamaria/T2T COLUMBIA SC -- 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal? 
No, registration fees help offset some of the expenses associated with making the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk one of the country’s greatest annual events, however, your fundraising efforts enable us to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many in need. 

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. 

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: T2T Columbia 5K Run & Walk 
2361 Hylan Blvd. 
Staten Island, NY 10306 

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, 2022 for winter and spring events, or October 10, 2022 for summer and fall events.

When will my fundraising incentive arrive? 
Incentives are sent in December of 2023. 

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 has their own regulations in place, and Tunnel to Towers must be prepared and collect all data for whatever new guidelines may be implemented. 

Additional Questions: Email us at [email protected]