Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY

What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk?
The Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk & Climb 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.

We are now the T2T 5K run / walk event for all of Central New York, including Utica, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, and surrounding areas. This will be the 6th annual Central New York event that will take place in Utica.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We will be honoring and remembering those lost on that day and those lost since due to 9/11 related illnesses.

When is the 2026 Utica Tunnel to Towers 5K Run / Walk?
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Run/walk starts at 9:11 am. Opening ceremonies with guest speakers will begin at 8:30 am. We encourage everyone to come early enough to be part of our ceremonies which will honor and remember those lost on 9/11.  

Where does the event start and finish?
The event will start at the Utica 9/11 Memorial located at Sherman Drive & The Parkway (near MVCC). It will proceed westbound over the Parkway to Oneida St, northbound on Oneida St to Genesee St, then northbound on Genesee St to the downtown finish line. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, vendors and our closing ceremony with awards, so plan on sticking around after the run / walk!!

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?
Packet pickup will be at The Sneaker Store, 24 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY. Pickup will be Friday August 14 from 3 pm to 7 pm AND Saturday August 16 from 9 am to 3 pm. Race day pickup will also be available at the FINISH LINE AREA, in front of the State Office Building, at T2T Tent on Genesee St, Utica starting at 7:30 AM day of the race.

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. On site registration will open at 7:30 am the morning of the run and online registration will be open until 8:45 am the morning of the event. Please note if you wait to register after August 1, we cannot guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.   

All day-of registrations will be paperless. We will have a QR code available to scan and you must use your phone and pay via credit card.   

Is there a post race party or closing ceremony after the run / walk?
Yes!! Live music by Poor Tim begins at 9:45 am and our closing ceremony, with guest speakers and awards, will begin at 11:00 am on Genesee St. in front of the State Office Building. We will also have various vendors, children’s activities and food trucks. After the actual T2T event, starting at 12 noon, our annual after party will take place with live entertainment and specials for all participants. Make a day of the CNY T2T event and join us for the after party!

Is there parking or shuttles available?
Yes. On street parking will be available in the blocks surrounding the finish line area. Parking will also be available at the MVCC lot on the Sherman Drive side, near the gymnasium. Buses will be available to shuttle participants from the finish area to the start as well before the event only. Buses will run from 7:30 am to 8:45 am. THERE WILL BE NO SHUTTLE BUSES RUNNING AFTER THE EVENT SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

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 7 minutes/mile are encouraged to find a spot near the front of the start corral (arrive early). One side will be dedicated for competitive runners while the other side will be for members of various services in uniform / turnout gear.

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 race. Awards will include Fastest Male/Female Firefighter IN TURNOUT GEAR (running shoes HIGHLY recommended over turnout boots), Fastest Male/Female Police Officer IN UNIFORM, and Fastest Male/Female Military member IN UNIFORM. Awards for most members from a group or organization will also be awarded (Does NOT have to all be in turnouts/uniform) and can include friends and family. An award will also be presented for the organization/group who has raised the most money through their fundraising efforts. t is important for the first person of a group or organization to form their respective team and let the rest of their members know to join that team upon registering!

For our traditional competitive runners, we will also have overall Male/Female finisher awards, as well as Male/Female age group awards (10 year groups).

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

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, etc?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnouts 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 or sponsorship count towards my fundraising goal?
Your registration fee or sponsorship 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: ALYSSA FUSSILLO/T2T CNY - 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: Alyssa Fussillo CNY
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. Sign into your runsignup.com account, select the event under “My Races”, and there will be an option to transfer your registration to someone else. Or, you can 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. You can also register as a volunteer and we will reach out to 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 Emergency Medical Services available covering the course and start and finish line areas. There will also be spotters with radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS.

What is the difference between the Virtual Run registration option and the others?
As a virtual participant, you will be able to run or walk the event from anywhere. If you’re unable to attend the event or are hesitant about going out, you can still participate and support. Please note that yo...