Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Orlando, FL

What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K 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 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 by supporting our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.

Our 5K Run & Walk Orlando event attracts hundreds of local first responders and military service members and close to 2000 participants. Please join us and help honor our heroes.This year marks the 12th anniversary of our Orlando event at Cranes Roost Park! Please watch our 2023 T2T Orlando Race Video!

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

What time does the 5K begin?
All participants registered as a First Responder/Military are asked to be at the start line at approx. 7:00 am, allowing spectators to line the course to show their thanks and respect, followed by a brief 9-11 ceremony starting at 7am and Race time beginning at 7:30am.

Where can I pick up my packet?
PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE (Altamonte Springs) Next to Whole foods, 375 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Please follow our Tunnel to Towers Orlando Facebook page for the most up to date information as the event date approaches. 

Packet pick-up times?
TBD

NEW SCHEDULE!!  Packet Pickup will be Wednesday and Thursday (Sept 4th and 5th) this year!  We will not be having packet pickup on Friday in order for us to prepare better for the day of the event. You may also pick up on race morning at the venue starting at 6:00am. 

Can I register the day of the run?
Same day Registration and Packet pickup will open at 6am on the day of the race. Day of registrations will only be available using a Q reader through your cell phone only. No paper registrations will be used. 

When does online registration close?
*IMPORTANT*  Online registration will remain OPEN through Saturday, September 7, 2024 and close promptly at 7am before race time.  
Registration prices on race day will increase $10 for all registrations except for First Responders. 
You can register on race morning  at the Cranes Roost event site - it opens at 6 am. 

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?
There will be an announcement for fast runners to come to the 'Start'. However, please note that all First Responders will be corralled at the starting line at the beginning of the race and we ask that their position be respected as all runners and walkers should be positioned behind them. The race is a chipped event; therefore, times are calculated based on crossing the timing mat.

What is the First Responder Team Challenge?
By registering with this option, you are registering to compete for a team award with your fellow department members. New this year **THERE MUST BE A TEAM CAPTAIN assigned from your dept this year to be eligible for team award competition!  The captain will instruct the team to sign up for  "First Responder Team Challenge", they will be prompted from a drop-down menu to select your team location name (ie:  Seminole County Fire Department, Altamonte Police Department, etc.) All teams must be registered and finalized 24 hours prior to the race; No RACE DAY entries will be allowed for team awards. 

There are three types of First Responder Team Competition: Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement and Military. Each team must have a minimum of 4 participants and be in full uniform.

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 4 or more participate by running in turnout gear.

Uniform Requirements: Boots and tanks should not be worn for safety reasons. Minimum standard includes liner, pants, jacket, and helmet

Please Note: TEAM CAPTAIN MUST CHECK IN at the First Responder tent on RACE MORNING to be eligible for team award. We will allow the teams to consist of as many team members that have registered under a specific team name to compete, however we will only be calculating the four fastest times (in full gear) from each team 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!

For Law Enforcement: The Stephen G Siller Heroes Award: This award will be won by the fastest team of Law Enforcement running in gear.  The same description regarding number of participants and calculation applies here as noted above for the Fire Fighter competition.

Uniform Requirements: Minimum standard includes approved uniform (can be summer uniform), gun belt, and body armor.

For Military: The Stephen G Siller Patriot Award: This award will be won by the fastest team of Military branch running in gear.  The same description regarding number of participants and calculation applies here as noted above for the Fire Fighter competition.

Uniform Requirements: Minimum standard includes approved military uniform and gear as required by the military branch.

Will water be available?
Yes, 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, dogs, bicycle, etc?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted and encouraged! 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 of any items.

Can I bring my pet to the event?
No, there is a city ordinance that does not allow pets in the event site when an event involves road closures.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?
Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal.

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. To show our appreciation for your time, passion, and effort, we recognize each fundraising milestone that is reached with prizes branded with the Tunnel to Towers logo.

Can I get a refund? Can I transfer my registration? 
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. This is a rain or shine event but we will cancel if weather conditions become unsafe.

*Transfers must be received before Thursday, September 5th. 

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. 

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 the next 6 weeks following the event. 

Where do I pick up my award if I win?
In order to expedite our post-race ceremony, we will be instituting a change to how the age group awards are handed out. We will have an “Awards Tent” set up on the site. Using a “QR” code, you will be able to access the results for your time and age group finish place. If you finished in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in your age group, you can pick up your award at the “Awards Tent”. Please have your bib with you so we can verify the result. Signs with the “QR” code will be placed around the “Sponsor Village”.

Do you have a map of the event location? 
Route map for 2024 has not been confirmed. Please email us at [email protected] as we move closer to the date and we can send you the updated course map.

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 the Line of Duty” programs. 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: Adam Santamaria) 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: Adam Santamaria
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 October 2024.