Tunnel to Towers Climb - Raleigh, NC

What is a Tunnel To Towers Climb?
The Tunnel to Towers 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. We 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 Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit t2t.org.

First responders & civilians selflessly climbed 110 flights of stairs (with their gear) on that day in hopes of saving as many strangers as possible. We've designed this event to do the same, climb 110 flights of stairs in the old Wells Fargo Tower Bldg in downtown Raleigh, NC. Is this a requirement?...No! Your participation is extremely impressive whether you do 1 flight or 100. There will be a bail out area on floor #10 with access to an elevator.  If you don't want to climb stairs but still support the event, register as a volunteer!

How many floors is the climb?
Participants will ascend and descend the tower to the 30th floor three full times. On the fourth and final ascent, climbers will complete the challenge at the 20th floor, reaching a total of 110 flights—symbolic of the heroic climb of 9/11 first responders. Official timing will stop at the 20th floor, and participants can either walk down the remaining stairs or exit and take the elevator down.

Will there be bail out floors?
Yes, we will have the bailout floor on the 10th floor.

Will hallways be included in the climb distance?
No.

Is there a limit on how many people can register?
We are limiting the event to the first 200 so register early!

How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?
This depends on how many floors you climb, your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Elite Climbers may finish the climb in less than 30 minutes, while the average participant should take about 60-120 minutes to finish.

Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?
Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way. Slower climbers should move to the right, allowing faster climbers to pass on the left.

I’m a first responder; can I wear my bunker/turnout gear?
Yes, you may wear turnout gear. In fact, we encourage it! However, please do not bring scott packs.

What is an "Elite Climber”?
An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers. The average participant will climb at a moderate pace and consider a climb to be no more strenuous than their typical gym workout.

Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, only registered climbers may enter the stairs with cell phones. 

When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and T-shirt)?
To be determined. Please check back as we get closer to the event! 

What is the timing of the event?
8-8:30 AM - Registration/check in
8:30-8:45 AM - Announcements/Event details
8:45 AM - National Anthem 
9:00 AM - Event begins ( 2 hour time cap)

Is a bag check area provided?
Due to strict security regulations, we ask that you please DO NOT bring any bags, backpacks, purses and/or valuables with you to the event unless they are small enough to wear during the event. There will be no bag check so please plan accordingly. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.

Where should I park?
Street parking will be available and free on a first come first serve basis, and at Alexander Square Parking Deck across the street.

Will I receive an event T-shirt?
Yes. All participants who register in advance will receive an event T-shirt and a finisher's medal. We do not guarantee T-shirts for late registrations. T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up location. Please note that shirt sizes are not guaranteed and shirts are first come, first served. 

Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, but fundraising does help offset the costs of the event and goes straight to the Tunnel to Towers several programs.

Where do the funds raised go?
The goal of this event is to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s various programs including our Smart Home, Fallen First Responder Home & Gold Star Family Home programs. To learn more about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and our programs, please visit t2t.org. 

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants in the T2T Tower Climb must be at least 10 years old on event day. Any exceptions can be discussed on a case to case basis.

Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?
No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb and includes a participant T-shirt and medal. This is why fundraising is so important! All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 

If I am no longer able to make it to the T2T Tower Climb after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else climb in my place?
No, participation is non-transferrable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution. We appreciate your understanding. 

How do I form a team?
You can form a team while you register online by selecting the option to "Create a Team" - you will become the Team Captain and will be asked to enter the Team Name. Those who wish to join your team can then register by selecting the option to "Join a Team." 

How do I join a team?
To join an existing team, select the "Join a Team" option, and select the Team name from the drop-down menu. Once you find the team you wish to join, select it, click “Next Step”, and proceed with registration. 

I am a Team Captain - can I enroll all members of my team at one time?
Unfortunately, group registration is not an option at this time. We ask that you register multiple participants as separate transactions. We appreciate the effort that goes into registering teams, and thank you for your patience! 

Can I pay for my whole team by company check?
Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member's registration fee. 

How do we register our company team if paying by check?
We will provide the Team Captain with a code that he or she will need to provide to each team member, who will then enter it when registering online. No credit card information will be required. Please note that codes cannot be issued until payment is received, so you will need to confirm the number of team members in advance. We appreciate the extra effort and planning this requires. Please contact [email protected] if you plan to pay by company check.

Can I still fundraise beyond the date of the climb?
YES! The amount raised for incentive prizes will be determined at 6 weeks post event, but we encourage everyone to raise additional funds through November 1st!