The wait is over! The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Series is happening this Saturday, September 10, from 6:30am - 10am in Atlamonte Springs. This event was created to honor the heroic life and death of 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.
You can honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our own first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty for all of us.
Marking the 10th anniversary for this Orlando event at Cranes Roost Park, this event attracts hundreds of local first responders, military service members and close to 2000 participants.
As shared on the Tunnel to Towers website, "Firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller was the youngest of seven children born to Mae and George Siller. At the age of eight, Stephen lost his father, and a year and a half later his mother passed away, leaving him an orphan to be raised by his older siblings. For a while Stephen went through a period of struggle, but thanks to the love of his siblings, and the values instilled in him by his parents, he grew up to be an extraordinary individual and dedicated firefighter. More than most, he knew that time was precious and accomplished much in his 34 years.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear.
Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Stephen’s parents were lay Franciscans and he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase “while we have time, let us do good” were words that Stephen lived by. Stephen’s life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time here on earth doing good – this is his legacy.
Author and family friend Jay Price wrote: “Every momentous event, even a tragedy, has its symbolic figures. September 11th was no different; it just had a few more of them...… a hundred more … a thousand... None bigger than Stephen Siller, whose stature only grows with time as New Yorkers and people from around the world follow his footsteps.”"
For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.T2T.org.
How far is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk?
This is a 5K (approx 3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event.
What time does the 5K begin?
Registration the morning of the event opens at 6am. **All participants registered as a First Responder/Military are asked to be at the start line at approx. 7:00 am, allowing spectators to line the course to show their thanks and respect, followed by a brief 9-11 ceremony starting at 7am and Race time beginning at 7:30am.
Times differ from store times. Please note: PACKET PICK UP is designated for Thursday and Friday - 10am-6pm
*FOR Large GROUPS: Please email us (orlando@t2t.org) in advance if possible so we can help organize them together for quicker pickup. ***You may pick up someone's packet, but please bring their confirmation number.
Can I register the day of the run?
Yes, you can register online through morning of run. Same day Registration and Packet pickup will open at 6 a.m. at Cranes Roost. Day of registrations will only be available using a Q reader through your cell phone only. No paper registrations will be used. Registration goes up by $10 for Same Day.
When does online registration close?
Online Registration will remain open through race morning!
IMPORTANT**Registration prices will increase $10 if you register SAME DAY.
SAME day registration/Packet Pickup opens at 6 am.
Registration will close promptly at 6:45am in order to start ceremony, so get there early to avoid the cutoff and missing out on registering.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Altamonte mall parking lot.
For run / walk registration and additional information, visit Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
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