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 t2t.org.
This will be the 6th year in Clearwater and we are excited to once again bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs. The Clearwater event is one of three events in the Tampa Bay area with the others being a 5K in Trinity/Pasco and the other a tower climb in Tampa.
How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?
This is a 5K (3.1 miles) walk or run. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.
Where can I pick up my packet?
Pre-event packet pick up will be on Thursday, November 3rd at the Pinellas County Professional Firefighters Union Hall, 13220 Belcher Rd #6, Largo Fl 33773 from 3pm - 7pm. Race day packet pickup starts at 7am.
Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. Registration will open at 7am the morning of the run. You’ll save time if you register in advance. In addition, if you wait to register we may not have a shirt for you and we do not guarantee sizes for late registrants. There will be no paper registration available. All registration will take place on our website via a QR code scanned by your cell phone. Please bring a credit card to register.
When does registration close for a timing chip?
Registration for a timing chip will close on Saturday, November 5th at 8am . No timing chips will be available if you register after this time. You can still register to run or walk, but you will not be timed if you do not register in advance. Registration for non-chip timing will close at 8:30am.
Is there parking available?
Yes. Please be aware of the active construction in the area. We are working with the City of Clearwater to provide the best options. Volunteers will be onsite to direct you where to park. There is also parking available at all City of Clearwater parking garages. A map with available parking will be emailed to all registered participants and posted to our Facebook page. Please follow all parking volunteer instructions as they are looking out for your safety.
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. Please try to keep your smartphone away from your race bib as it could deactivate the timing chip.
I am a fast runner. Can I get a front line position?
Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minute/mile will be seeded in the front corral (arrive early).
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 run. We will have overall and age group awards as well as team prizes. We encourage competition between different first responder personnel and military branches.
Will water be available?
Yes, a water station will be available along the route around miles 1 and 2 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 turnout gear 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 count towards my fundraising goal?
Your registration fee 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 clearwater@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 clearwater@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 clearwater@t2t.org and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to ATTN: Colleen Grace- 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: T2T Clearwater 5K Run & Walk - Colleen Grace
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. Please contact us at clearwater@t2t.org and we will manually change it in our system. Transfers must be received before Thursday, November 3rd. If you are looking to transfer your bib the morning of the 5K, please speak with a member of Stephen’s Squad so that your information can be entered correctly into the timing company’s system (prior to 8am).
Running with someone else’s bib without notifying the race directors or timing company is a safety issue and is not permitted. Should something happen to you out on the race course, we need to ensure you receive the appropriate care and the appropriate emergency contract is reached. If you are caught running with someone else’s bib, you will be disqualified.
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 clearwater@t2t.org and we will reply within 24 hours. Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities. Thank you!
Do registrants get receipts?
When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt by email.
Is there a medical staff available on-site?
Yes, there will be an Emergency Medical Service team available on site. There is also 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 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.
