Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Virginia Beach, VA

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 our first Virginia Beach 5K and we are excited to bring together the community of Virginia Beach, so rich in its patronage to our service members stationed here, and to honor them alongside our Firefighters, Police Officers, and our first responders. This is how we want to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, and remember our heroes like Stephen who made the ultimate sacrifice. No better way than to raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs. 

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?
This is a 5K (approximately 3.1 miles) to walk or run this event. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event. 

Where can I pick up my packet?
Packet Pick up will be at Murphy’s Irish Restaurant (2914 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451) on Saturday September 21st, from 1PM to 5PM, or on the morning of the race starting at 0700 at the Pavilion Stage at 24th Street Park. 

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. Registration will open at 7 AM 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 but we will do our best! 

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?
Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minutes/mile will be seeded in the front of the runners (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. 

Will water be available?
Yes, three water stations 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 do not leave any personal items visible 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. No dogs are permitted at this event. 

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 Tunnel to Towers - Virginia Beach ATTN: Rori Englert - 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: Rori Englert
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] so we can 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 Service team available on site. There is also radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS. 

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, 2024 for winter and spring events, or October 10, 2024 for summer and fall events.