Event Description
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 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit t2t.org.
How many floors in the Corning Tower?
You will be climbing up to the 42nd Floor (Observation Deck)– 2 flights per floor.
How many steps are there per flight?
The number of steps vary per flight. There are a total of 809 steps!
Do I have to climb all the way to the 42nd Floor in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?
No, there will be several bail out floors throughout the climb.
How many bailout floors are there?
There will be several opportunities to bail out on floors 10, 20 and 31. Water stations will also be available at those 3 floors.
Will there be Medical assistance if necessary?
There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency.
Will hallways be included in the climb distance?
Yes, there are 2 hallways included on floor 17 and 32 – where the stairway will switch from turning right to left and back to right.
What direction does the stairwell wind (to the left or to the right)?
The stairwell winds to the right. They will switch which way they wind at floors 17, they will turn left and 32 they will turn right. The width of the stairs is the same throughout the climb.
Is there a limit on how many people can register?
We are limiting the event to 500 participants – the earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to take part in this unique event!
How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?
This depends on how many floors you climb, and on your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Elite Climbers may finish the 42-story climb in less than 10 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-40 minutes to finish.
Is this a timed climb?
Yes. If you sign up day of registration you will NOT be timed. You will also be given a bib. Please make sure your bib number is visible on the front of you.
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 might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?
No problem, just find a volunteer or staff member who can escort you to the nearest rest area and direct you to an elevator.
I’m a first responder; can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, scott packs, etc.?
Yes, you may wear turnout gear. In fact, we encourage it!
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 42-story 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)?
TBD
What time should I arrive at Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Concourse, Albany, NY?
The event will begin at 9:00am with a ceremony. Elite Climbers will begin promptly at 9:30am. All participants must have their bibs in order to participate in the event. All participants and supporters must enter into the building through the underground concourse. There will be no access at the plaza level for security reasons.
How do I get to the Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Concourse in Albany, NY?
The address to use for your GPS is: 5 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
Participants should enter into the building through the underground concourse. You can enter the concourse through the doors under the tunnel across the road from the NYS Museum.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available at the East Garage located at the corners of Madison Avenue, Eagle Street and Philip Street. In addition the New York State Museum across the street offers free parking on the weekends.
Is a bag check area provided?
Due to strict security regulations, we ask that you please DO NOT bring any bags, back packs, purses and/or valuables with you to the event. There will be no bag check so please plan accordingly. We will check any small items that can fit in a sandwich size clear Ziploc bag i.e. car keys, cell phone. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.
Are electronics, cameras allowed at the T2T Tower Climb?
Yes. Cameras and Video are allowed. The foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables. Cameras, Go-Pros and Video are allowed in the stairs.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, you may bring your cell phone and carry it in the stairs during your climb.
Will there be water stations along the climb?
Yes. There will be multiple water stations along the climb on floors 10, 20 and 31 and also at the start and finish lines.
Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line on the 42nd Floor?
Yes in the designated area. For safety & security reasons we must keep the finish line area clear. The climb is a strenuous workout and we must give participants room to catch their breath.
Will I receive an event t-shirt?
Yes. All participants in The T2T Tower Climb will receive an event T-shirt and finisher's medal.
T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up locations. Please make sure that even if you do not climb all 42 floors, you go to the observation deck to receive your medal and turn in your shoe chip.
What is the entry fee for the T2T Tower Climb?
The entry fee for non- first responders is $45, first responders and military $40, kids 12-17 $20 kids under 12 $0 (must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian).
Is there a fundraising minimum?
Yes, there is a mandatory $50 minimum fundraising requirement for first responders & military & youth 17 & under, $100 for all others in addition to the entry fee
Why is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
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.
What if I want to register after September 7th?
The cost to register after September 7th is $100 for first responders and military and $150 for all others (excluding youth) this includes the fundraising minimum. You can register in person and be included in timing at packet pick up. Please note if you register day of event, you will NOT be timed.
When is the deadline to meet the $50 minimum fundraising requirement?
Each participant must meet the fundraising requirement by Wednesday, September 7th. Participants must agree to meet the minimum fundraising requirement in order to register. If the fundraising minimum is not met by this deadline, participants' credit cards will be charged for the difference, should a portion of the minimum be raised.
Can I register without agreeing to meet the minimum fundraising requirement and without acknowledging that I know my credit card will be charged if I don't raise at least $50?
No. You will not be able to complete your registration if you do not agree to meeting the fundraising requirement and to understanding that your credit card will be charged if the minimum is not met by September 7th Therefore, if you have registered, you have agreed to these terms. Please carefully read all of the terms and conditions as you are registering. All participants are responsible for reading what they agree to when registering.
Can I immediately make a donation of $50 in addition to paying the entry fee instead of fundraising to meet the minimum requirement?
Yes. Once you have completed your registration, you can make a donation equal to your minimum requirement on your individual team page. You’ll be all set to participate but we still encourage you to fundraise beyond the minimum since all proceeds benefit our first responders and military heroes.
Can I make a donation of less than $50 in addition to paying the entry fee when registering that will count towards my minimum fundraising requirement?
Yes. If you make a donation on your individual team page that is less than your minimum, you just have to raise the difference by the September 7th deadline.
My company has a matching gift program. Can a matching gift count towards my minimum fundraising requirement?
Yes, but only if the matching gift is received by 5pm on September 7th. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on pledges (matching gift or otherwise) since there is no guarantee that payment will be received. If the matching gift is received by then, we will be happy to apply it to your minimum requirement.
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. 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."
Is there a limit on team size?
No, but there is a minimum only for teams that will be vying for Fastest Firehouse, Fastest Law Enforcement Team, Fastest Military Branch etc. In these categories, there must be at least two teams challenging each other and each team must have at minimum 4 members. We will take the 4 fastest times. All team members must be registered on or before Sept 7th. Please make sure that everyone uses the same team name when registering to avoid confusion. If a team member drops out on day of event and you are under the 4 member minimum you will not be eligible for the award. There will be no substituting of team members.
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.
Does each member of a team need to raise the $50 minimum?
Yes. Each team member is responsible for meeting his or her own $50 minimum fundraising requirement in addition to the $40 registration fee. All donations must be credited to an individual participant.
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. A company can choose to cover the minimum fundraising requirement for each team member as well, or hold each team member responsible for meeting the minimum. The company will be invoiced for any minimum fundraising requirements that are not met by September 7th.
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 capitalregion@tunnel2towers.org if you plan to pay by company check.
Is there a fundraising minimum?
Yes. In order to ensure the fundraising success of this event, there is a minimum fundraising requirement for each participant ($50 for first responders, military and youth, $100 for all others). We encourage everyone to raise funds beyond the minimum requirement as the proceeds raised from this event will the Foundation’s programs honoring first responders and our nation’s catastrophically wounded service members. We know you can do it.
Can I still fundraise beyond the deadline for the minimum fundraising requirement?
YES! The fundraising minimum must be met by September 7th, but we encourage everyone to raise additional funds through December.
Fundraising trophies will be given to the individual/team that raises the most money by 11:59pm the day before the event.
