Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Preston, GA

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 theTunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.t2t.org 

This will be the 2nd Annual T2T Run & Walk in Preston, GA and we are excited to bring the community together 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 (3.2 miles) to walk or run this event. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.

Where can I pick up my packet?
Packet pickup will be at Centerpoint Schoolhouse on race day, November 15, 2025 starting at 9:15am.

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes! Registration will be open until the start 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. The deadline to guarantee receiving an event t-shirt is October 10, 2025.

When does online registration close?
Registration will be open until the start of the run. The deadline to guarantee receiving an event t-shirt is October 10, 2025.

Is there parking available?
Yes. You will be able to park at Centerpoint Schoolhouse. Please use designated parking areas only. There will be parking attendants to direct you. DO NOT park on the road as it will interfere with our Route Safety Plan.  NOTE: The Start Line is a different location than the Parking/Finish area.  Once Opening Ceremonies and the Kids’ Donut Dash have completed, there will be an announcement to go to the bus area so you can be transported to the Start Line (Centerpoint Fire Station).

What activities will be at the event?
The main activity is the 5k Run & Walk. There is also a Kids’ Donut Dash which is a 40-yard sprint for kids 12 and under. Each registrant will receive a free donut at the end of the sprint and will have the option to also walk/run the 5k course. Kids must be registered in order to participate.

For those who do not want to run or walk the 5K, you can sign up for the CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT!  Register online by November 1, 2025. Pick your own partner or be assigned one. Winners will receive a trophy.

There will be FREE Bounce Houses, FREE face paint, FREE on-site massage (for participants) and LIVE Music!

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 an 8 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; much more than an ordinary run. The event is not timed. This may change as plans develop and sponsors sign up.

Will water be available? 

Yes, water stations will be available along the route and there will be water available at the finish line along with snacks for participants only.

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 and encouraged! 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, Macedonia Baptist Church and Webster County 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: Adam Santamaria - 2361 Hylan Boulevard., Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information (and PRESTON, GA EVENT) 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

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. See information above OR 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! 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