Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Chicago, IL

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 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 www.t2t.org.

This will be the first Tunnel to Towers 5K in the Cook County/ Chicagoland area! We are honored and eager to bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs. 

Firefighter and police turnout gear and military backpacks are encouraged! First responders running in their gear are eligible for a special prize. (Keep your boots at home- please wear running shoes for your safety!)

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk? 
This is a 5K (approximately 3.1 miles). Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event. Our course begins on the path near Grove 27, continues north for 2 ½ kilometers, and then circles back to the starting point. There will be clear signage at the turnaround point so no need to worry about going too far. 

Where can I park?

There is ample parking at Grove 27. Look for the MAIN DAM entrance off Arlington Heights Road just south of Landmeier Road
If we need to implement an overflow parking plan, we will notify you by email.

Are there restrooms?

There is a Forest Preserve Restroom facility next to our parking lot.
(We will NOT have portable restrooms)

Where can I pick up my packet?
Please visit the PACKET PICKUP table at Grove 27 anytime after 10:30 am on race day. 

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes, but we strongly encourage electronic registration before race day.

On-site registration opens at 10 AM on Sunday, October 6th. If you wait to register, we cannot guarantee shirt availability or your requested shirt size, but we will do our best!

When does online registration close?
Online registration will remain open until race day registration is closed. If you register after packet pick-up, you may not receive your t-shirt or any other race day swag.

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. We also encourage you to wear the “In Memory of” bib on your back.  We invite you to write in the name of a fallen or serving first responder, veteran, family member, or anyone whose selfless service inspires you to be part of our community.

I am a fast runner. Can I get a front-line position?
Runners with a pace faster than 6 minutes/mile will be seeded in front. Please arrive early.

Will there be awards for running?
We will bestow a special Heroes Award to the first responder team (Fire, Police, EMS, Veteran) with the greatest number of participants. In some small way, this humble trophy is meant to honor and remember the unimaginable sacrifice made by our beloved Chicagoland first responder heroes who’ve died in the line of duty. This award will stay at the winning precinct/ firehouse/ VFW Hall until the 2025 T2T Chicago 5K, when the competition to honor our hometown heroes starts again. Keep a look out on our social media platforms to vote on the name of this award!

Will water be available?
Yes, three water stations will be available along the route, and water will also be available at the start/finish line.

What can you bring?
Strollers and wheelchairs are the only “wheels” permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are encouraged/ permitted. Please do not leave any personal items visible 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 your fundraising goal.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes. They must present a copy of your registration receipt

Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the start of the race?
Absolutely! Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?
Please send all sponsorship correspondence to chicagorun@t2t.org with your contact information, and someone will contact you within 24 hours.

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?
Please contact us at chicagorun@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?
Absolutely! Once you are registered, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page, and you will be able to accept donations online. 

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: Adam Santamaria
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. Please contact us at chicagorun@t2t.org so we can change it in our system.

Can I get a refund?
We do not provide refunds for the event, regardless of whether 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 chicagorun@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. 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, an Emergency Medical Service team will be available on-site. The course also has radio communication to help communicate with EMS. Tunnel to Towers events follow local and state health regulations and guidelines.

Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives?
Yes! Check out our latest incentives in our Fundraising Guide. To qualify, the funds must be raised by December 15. 2024.