Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Madison, WI

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 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.t2t.org.

This will be the first year for the Madison, WI area and we are excited to bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs.

Where is the event? Why does it say Madison if it’s in DeForest?
This 5K event will be held in DeForest, WI, starting and ending from Veterans Memorial Park (209 N. Main Street, DeForest, WI 53532). With the close proximity to Madison, about a 10 minute drive from Madison’s Northeast side and about a 25 minute drive to downtown Madison, the event was branded to help people identify the nearby area.

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.

Is a shorter distance “fun run” offered?
No. However, participants can run/walk a shorter distance before returning to the park if they wish to do less than the 5K. The half mile and 1 mile mark from the start line will be marked, giving participants the opportunity to create their own 1 mile or 2 mile route if desired.

What is the 5K route like?
Our route follows the Yahara River Trail and is an out-and-back route to eliminate excessive street crossings. This means, participants will proceed 1.6 miles in one direction and will turn around using the same route to return. The trail is paved for the entire length of the route.  The route is primarily flat with one small hill at the halfway turn-around. Total elevation gain in the first half of the route is approximately 10 meters (33 feet) with a total elevation loss of the same on the second half of the route.

Where can I pick up my packet?
Early packet pick up is available on Friday, May 30th from 4pm to 6:30pm at Fleet Feet in Sun Prairie (2816 Prairie Lakes Drive #101, Sun Prairie, WI 53590). Event day packet pick up will begin at 7:30am on Saturday, May 31st at DeForest Veterans Memorial Park.

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. You may register online until the beginning of the opening ceremony. On event day, volunteers on site can assist you in registering from 7:30 am until 8:30 am. Please note, shirts may not be available if you register after May 11th. We do not guarantee shirts for late registrants. Additionally, registration rates increase on the day of the event. Therefore, advanced registration is encouraged.

When does online registration close?
Online registration will be open until 9:00 am on the event day. 

Is there parking available?
Yes, some. There are approximately 30 parking stalls at Veterans Memorial Park in DeForest. Lots of nearby street parking is also available within a half mile of the park. Suggested street parking locations include Acker Parkway and Holum Street.  Please follow applicable laws to ensure you park in a legally appropriate manner.

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?
Our event is held to honor our local first responders and military and to honor the fallen, particularly all killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. As such, we ask that active duty and retired first responders and military members be given the front positions. While you are welcome to time yourself and are encouraged to run your best time, our event is not a race.  This event is a way to honor those who have served and those who do serve.

Will there be awards for running?
No. As noted above, this event is run in memory of our nation’s heroes, both past and present. Our event is not timed and is not intended to be competitive in nature. This may change as plans develop and sponsors sign up, but at this time, we do not intend to offer running awards.

Will water be available?
Yes. Two water stations will be available along the route and there will be water available at the start/finish line. There is also a drinking fountain in Veteran’s Memorial Park if you desire to refill a bottle.

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. The entire course route is paved. 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. Please help us in our mission to “do good” by fundraising and/or by spreading the word about our event to others who may be interested in joining us.

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 MadisonRun@t2t.org with your contact information. We make every effort to reply within 48 hours or 2 business days. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?
Please contact us at MadisonRun@t2t.org with your contact information. We make every effort to reply within 48 hours or 2 business days. Your generosity is 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. Donations can be sent directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, ATTN: Rori Englert - 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. When sending donations, please include Madison, WI in the memo section of the check. And, please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page. 

How should I make out a donation check?
Please make checks payable to “Tunnel to Towers Foundation". Please remember to include Madison, WI in the memo line so the foundation can track the donation appropriately.

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. Contact us at MadisonRun@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 of the reason. This includes if you cannot make the date or the foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances. Please note, registration may be transferred to another person.

How can I volunteer?
It's simple! Email us at MadisonRun@t2t.org with your contact information. We make every effort to reply within 48 hours or 2 business days. Volunteers are always needed for the day of the event and a letter for verification of service hours can be provided upon request after the event. Thank you!

Do registrants get receipts?
When you register online you will automatically receive a receipt.

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 crew.

Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives?
Yes. We offer fundraising incentives each year; check out our latest incentives in our Fundraising Guide. To qualify, complete your fundraising by June 30, 2025.