Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Climb - Biloxi, MS

What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk?
The Tunnel to Towers 5K 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 the Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit t2t.org.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run, Walk, & Climb – Biloxi?
This is a 5K (3.1 miles) as well as a stair climb. You are welcome to walk or run this event.

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes, the cost will increase by $15 the day of the event. The pricing of the event goes up on event day, and one month prior to the event. The best time to register is always RIGHT NOW.

What is the age limit?
There is no age limit. Children under 12 can run free, you do not need to be registered. If you would like an event t-shirt for children under 12, please register online and choose their t-shirt size. 

What is the best time to register?
The best time to register is always RIGHT NOW. Registration is tied to a price tiering system where the price increases occur one week after the opening of registration, one month before the event, and on race day. 

Is there parking available?
There is ample parking available at Margaritaville Resort Biloxi. Please make sure you park in the lot West of the resort. There will be signs directing you where to go. Overflow parking will be across the street.

Where can I pick up my packet?
We will have early packet pick-up at Margaritaville Resort Biloxi. Date and times will be announced prior to. Keep an eye on our FB page for updates. We will be located on the second floor near the hotel escalator. You can also pick up early the day of the event beginning at 11:00 PM in the parking lot of the Marina (located between MVille and Golden Nugget Casino.).

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!

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 faster pace may make their way to the front of the line, based on space availability (hint: arrive early!).

Will the 5K be timed?
Yes!  If you are a runner/jogger, and would like a chipped bib, please choose that option when registering.  Walkers will not be timed.

Will there be awards?
Yes… 5K awards will be given out at approximately 4:30PM.  This will include male and female awards for each age bracket; first firefighter in gear that crosses the finish line; first law enforcement officer in uniform; and overall fastest runner

Other awards such as largest group that registers, department with the most firefighters in gear, biggest fundraiser, “Stephen Siller” award, etc. will be given out during opening ceremonies.

Will water be available?
Yes, a water station will be available along the route, and there will be water available at the finish. There will be very limited water at the start line. Please hydrate before the event starts, or bring water with you if necessary. There will also be water at the bottom and top floors of the stairwell, as well as the 10th floor breezeway for our climb participants.

What can you bring to the event?
You will be responsible for all of your personal belongings you bring to the event. Please leave anything that you do not want to run/walk with locked securely in your vehicle.

Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
You can participate with a stroller, wheelchair, and/or backpack. No roller blades, bicycles, or pets.

Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. T2T will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

What should I wear if I am participating?
General public should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. We encourage everyone to wear patriotic colors and carry flags if you would like. We LOVE to see Red, White, and Blue! Military and first responders, we encourage you to wear your gear/uniform, or anything that signifies what department or branch you serve. 

Can I participate in both the T2T Biloxi 5K and Stair Climb?
You certainly can! You will be able to register for just the 5k, just the stair climb, or for both events. The fee to participate in both events will be  just $10 more than the fee to participate in just one event.

How many floors is the stair climb?
The entire event will be 110 floors total. This is symbolic of the 110 floors in the World Trade Center. You will climb/walk up the 22 floors of Margaritaville Resort a total of 5 times. We will have a second stairwell open for our climb participants to descend. You will not be using elevators.  

Can I still participate if I am unable to climb the entire 110 floors?
Of course! If you would only like to go up once, or as many times as you chose, you may do so.

Will there be floors that I can "bail out" on if it becomes impossible for me to go on?
Yes. You will be able to "bail out" on any floor if you feel like you are unable to make it any further. Just enter the hallway and take the elevator back down to the bottom floor. If it is a medical emergency and you need assistance, there will be volunteers located throughout the stairwell. Just call out to them, and they will radio for a medic and come to you. If you are having a medical emergency, please stay where you are, and we will get you help.

Will the Stair Climb be timed?
No. It's more to honor the fallen. You are more than welcome to use a smartphone, or watch to keep up with your own time.

Where will the Stair Climb begin?
On the bottom floor of Margaritaville Resort Biloxi. There will be signs and volunteers directing you where to go.

What do I do if I am participating in both events?
You have to complete the 5k first. Once you reach the finish line, you will be able to begin the stair climb whenever you are ready. You can start it immediately after you finish the race, or you can take a break before you begin. However, you must enter the stairwell for your final climb by 6:30 PM. The door will be locked at this time, and no one will be allowed to enter the stairwell after this time.

I would like to book a hotel room. Is there a host hotel?
Yes. Margaritaville Resort Biloxi is the Tunnel to Tower Biloxi host hotel. You can book a room there at a discounted rate. Margaritaville Resort Biloxi is a family friendly resort with a water park, entire floor of arcade games, numerous restaurants and other amenities. Call Margaritaville Resort Biloxi 800.794.1582 for details. You can also book online at www.margaritavilleresortbiloxi.com. Once you have registered for our event, please email us if you are interested in booking a hotel room, and we will give you a promo code to use to get your discounted room rate.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?
Please send all sponsorship correspondence with your contact information to [email protected] and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

What does a corporate sponsor receive?
Based on the level of financial commitment, sponsors are able to receive a fabulous package of promotional opportunities, prominent logo placement, registration passes, and a chance to align your company's name with a top event in the MS Gulf Coast community. Contact us at [email protected].

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?
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 so appreciated.

Where does all the money raised get allocated?
All funds raised from Tunnel to Towers 5K Run Biloxi will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for many of their programs. The mission of this Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. 95% of all money donated to the Foundation goes directly into their programs to help fallen first responders and veteran families.

If I win an award and am not present for the award ceremony, where can I pick it up?
Please contact us via email [email protected] and we will do our best to make arrangements to get your award to you.

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 p...