Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Alpena, MI

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. We 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 t2t.org.

This will be the seventh year in Alpena 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?
Packets can be picked at the Alpena Bandshell on Friday September 8th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm or the morning before the run starting at 8:00am.

Can I register the day of the run? 
Yes. Registration will open at 8am the morning of the run. You’ll save time and money if you register online before we close the website. Those who wait to register on the day of will pay an additional $5. In addition, 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 close on Saturday September 9th at 8am

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? 
Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minute/mile will be seeded in the front corral (arrive early).

Will there be awards for running? 
Yes, we keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders, 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. This may change as plans develop and sponsors sign up.

Will water be available? 
Yes, a water station will be available along the route and there will be water available at the bandshell.

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: Tunnel to Towers Foundation- Attn: Alpena 5K, 2361 Hylan Boulevard., Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page. It's easy!

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:  Tunnel to Towers Foundation- Alpena 5k Run & Walk
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant? 
Yes. 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! Register online as a volunteer! 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 Service team available on site. There is also radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS.

What safety measures are you taking in regards to COVID-19?
We will be abiding by all local and state guidelines in regards to masks and social distancing.

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 October 30, 2023 for winter and spring events.