Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Buffalo, NY

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. It honors all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and supports our first responders and military who the make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit t2t.org.

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

Can I get a timing chip?
Yes, your race fee includes a timing chip which will be available up until September 3rd.

Where can I pick up my packet?
Pre-run packet pickup will be held on Thursday, September 5th from 4-8pm at Brighton Fire Hall, 50 Jamaica Rd Tonawanda, NY 14150 and Friday, September 6th from 4-8pm at the Bellevue Fire Hall. 511 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga. We recommend you pick up your packets prior to race day,  Packet pickup on the day of the run will be at Bellevue Fire Company 511 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga.

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes, same day registration and packet pickup will open at 7am on race day.  No paper registrations will be used, but we will have a QR reader available for signing up through your cell phone.  NO TIMING CHIPS will be given after September 3rd, so register early.

When does online registration close?
Online registration for chip timing will close on Tuesday, September 3rd at 11:59pm. Registration for non-chip timing will close promptly at 8:30am on Race Day,

Is there parking available?
Parking will be available near the race start. Volunteers will be on site to direct you to park. There is also parking available along Bennett Road, which is immediately adjacent to the start line. DO NOT park along Como Park Boulevard. Please follow all parking volunteer instructions as they are looking out for your safety.

Do I have to wear my bib number?
Yes, your race bib must be worn 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. Please try to keep your smartphone away from your race bib as it could deactivate the timing chip.

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 water be available?
Yes, a water station will be available along the route around miles 1 and 2, and there will be water available at the finish line.

What prizes will be available?
We will have overall and age group awards, as well as team prizes. We encourage competition between different Emergency Services personnel and military branches and will also be awarding prizes for teams.

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, rollerblades, bicycle, etc.?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Due to safety concerns we do not allow rollerblades or bicycles. Firefighter turnout gear, police and EMS uniforms and military backpacks are encouraged. Backpacks are not restricted, but the Tunnel to Towers Foundation cannot be responsible for loss or damage to any items.

Are dogs allowed on the route?
With the exception of service and police dogs, unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the route.

If I have items I don’t want to carry, what should I do with them?
Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?
No, your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal on Run Signup.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes. They must present a copy of your registration receipt.

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?
Please 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 on RunSignup where you will be able to accept donations online. If you want to donate cash or by check, you can send donations directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 (Attn: Adam Santamaria). Please also identify it as going towards the Buffalo, NY event and provide your team/participant information so it can be added to your fundraising page. 

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes, but this must be done before online registration closes on Tuesday, September 3rd. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will make the change for you. If you are looking to transfer your bib the morning of the race, please speak with a member of the Stephen’s Squad organizing team so that your information can be entered correctly into the timing company’s system.

Running with someone else’s bib without notifying the race directors or timing company is a safety issue and is not permitted. Should something happen to you out on the race course, we need to ensure you receive the appropriate care and the appropriate emergency contact is reached. If you are caught running with someone else’s bib, you will be disqualified from the race.

How can I volunteer?
It's simple! Click on the volunteer option above and enter your information to sign up. Thank you!

Do registrants get receipts?
When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt by email. If paying by credit card or check the day of the race, your personal billing statement will be your receipt.

Is there a medical staff available on-site?
EMS will be available through 911. Police and EMS will be along the course with radio communications.