Event Description
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 the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.
This will be the second year that the event will take place in Utica, NY. We had an amazing first year event in 2021 in terms of participants and money raised for the Foundation’s programs. We look forward to an even more successful 2022 event!
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 13413. Pickup will be Saturday, August 20th from 10 am to 6 pm. Race day pickup will also be available at the finish line at The Utica Roadrunners tent on Genesee St, Utica starting at 6:30 am day of the race.
Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. Registration will open at 6:30 am the morning of the run. Please note if you wait to register, we cannot guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.
All day of registration will be paperless. We will have a QR code to take you to our online registration site. You must use your phone and pay via credit card.
Where does the event start and finish?
The event will start at the Utica 9/11 Memorial located at Sherman Drive and 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.
What time does the event start?
The 5K begins at 8:00 am. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:30 am. We encourage everyone to come early enough to be part of our ceremonies which will honor and remember those lost on 9/11.
Is there a post race party or closing ceremony after the Run & Walk?
Yes!! Live music by Poor Tim begins at 9 am and our closing ceremony, with guest speakers and awards, will begin at 10:30 am in the courtyard in front of the State Office Building. We will also have various vendors and food trucks. After the actual T2T event, starting at 12 noon, The Celtic Harp will be hosting an after party with live entertainment and specials for all participants. Make a day of T2T Utica and join us for the ceremony and after party!
Is there parking 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. Buses will run from 6:30 am to 7:45 am.
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 minute/mile will be seeded in the front 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 (SCBA NOT allowed, 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). An award will also be presented for the organization/group who has raised the most money through their fundraising efforts.
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, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnouts (minus SCBA) 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. The 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 Utica@t2t.org 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 Utica@t2t.org. 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 Utica@t2t.org and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to:
ATTN:COLLEEN GRACE/T2T UTICA
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Boulevard.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Please provide us with 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: Colleen Grace - T2T Utica
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. See information above OR contact us at Utica@t2t.org 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 Utica@t2t.org 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 an Emergency Medical Service team available on site. There will also be spotters with radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS.
What safety measures are you taking in regards to COVID-19?
We will be abiding by all current local and state guidelines in regards to masks and social distancing. Stay tuned for updates as the event gets closer.
Why is it required to answer YES or NO to the Covid-19 vaccination question?
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has followed all protocols and guidelines implemented since COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic. Each city and state currently have their own regulations in place, and Tunnel to Towers must be prepared and collect all data for whatever new guidelines may be implemented.
Being vaccinated is not a requirement for this race. Your medical information is private and the Foundation does not share that or any other personal information.
Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives?
Yes, we offer fundraising incentives each year; check out our latest in our Fundraising Guide.
