Frequently Asked Questions

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Yes. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal Tax ID # is 02-0554654.

You may make your donation here on our website, via the telephone using a credit card, or through the mail.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
718 987-1931

Our program service ratio is over 95%; over 95 cents out of every dollar goes directly to program services. Program service ratio is a key barometer used to measure operating effectiveness.

The Foundation’s Form 990 and its Consolidated Financial Statements are posted prominently on our website. The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and have been reviewed by an independent auditor. Tunnel2Towers.org/financials

Yes. We received our sixth consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a top distinction from the country’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. The Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities. In addition, we scored 100% in the Accountability and Transparency category five years running. These exceptional designations from Charity Navigator differentiate the Tunnel to Towers Foundation from its peers, and demonstrates that it is worthy of your trust.

To donate In Honor of or In Memory of someone special, please click here to download our printable donation form. Make sure to fill out the “Optional Dedication” area of the form and mail it back to the address listed on the bottom of the document.

Our mission is to show our gratitude for the sacrifices and service of the U.S. Armed Services returning from war who have been catastrophically injured by building smart technology homes so they can regain their independence.

The Smart Home Program is restricted to members of the U.S. Armed Forces whose catastrophic combat or training for deployment injuries have resulted in: Quadruple amputation; Triple amputation; Quadriplegia; Paraplegia; Double limb amputation with other injuries such as (but not limited to) severe burns, blindness, traumatic brain injury. These catastrophic injuries must have occurred on or after October 7, 2001.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation reserves the right to make exceptions on a case by case basis.

 For information on organizations that provide additional services to service members, please click here.

Smart homes technology has a myriad of features designed to accommodate wheelchairs and give our catastrophically injured service members independence and safety at home. (Click here for specific features)

Military service personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard who have returned from combat with catastrophic injuries are eligible to apply.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation constructs smart technology homes that are mortgage-free.

Click here for program requirements and application information

If you would like to inquire about participating in the construction of a smart home, please click here.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC was created to honor the final footsteps 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 Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly known as the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel) to the Twin Towers.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC is Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 9:30 AM.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC is located in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Participants of the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC, wearing their bibs, should enter through the security checkpoint at Coffey Park on Dwight Street Those pre-registered participants who need to pick up a bib on Run day should report to packet pick up at IKEA. The 5K concludes in Manhattan on West Street at Murray Street.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC is slightly longer than a standard 5K course. It is approximately 3.5 miles long, beginning at the Brooklyn portal of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel and continuing into the streets of Manhattan before finally finishing at West Street and Murray Street. Click here to see a course map.

*EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION*

May 16 – May 31: $45 Adult Runner $55 w/chip*

June 1 – June 30: $55 Adult Runner $65 w/chip*

July 1 – August 15: $65 Adult Runner $75 w/chip*

August 16 – September 18: $75 Adult Runner $85 w/chip*

September 19 – September 23: $80 Adult Runner $90 w/ chip*

September 24 (Race Day): $80 Adult Runner –  No chips available on race day

*Timing chips are subject to availability and may sell out prior to their final sale date of September 23, 2023

Yes – race day registration is available, but all registrations must be completed online through our race registration website on your own device. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

All 2023 T2T NYC Run registrants must have their bib in hand by 8:30 AM on Run Day, Sunday, September 24, 2023. As per security, no bibs will be distributed after this time, and NO exceptions can be made.

Online registration will remain open until 7:59 AM on September 24, 2023. However, if you wish to receive a timing chip through online registration, this must be completed on or before September 23, 2023. Please note that timing chips are subject to availability and may sell out prior to the official sale deadline.

Yes – You must display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. Those running without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.

Yes – you may purchase timing chips online until 11:59 PM on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Please note timing chips are only available while supplies last.

NO TIMING CHIPS WILL BE SOLD ON THE DAY OF THE RUN.

Runners predicting a pace faster than a six-minute mile will be seeded in the front corral. A separate entrance (marked in yellow) will be at the front of the start line.

Yes – the New York Water Taxi service begins at 6:00 AM. Water taxis leave from Pier 11/Wall Street terminal. The last vessel leaves for Brooklyn at 7:45 AM. You must be on line by 7:30 AM to get to the start line on time. If you’re returning to Brooklyn after the race and festivities, wearing your bib assures free transportation from Pier 11.

ITEMS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED ON THE NY WATER TAXIS: BAGS OF ANY KIND, FOOD, OR BEVERAGES.

Yes – limited parking is available by South Street Seaport in Manhattan. There is NO parking available on the Brooklyn side. The New York Water Taxi is strongly encouraged for the event.

Bibs/runner’s packets and volunteer/vendor credentials can be picked up at the locations listed below on the dates provided.  We strongly advise picking up your packet prior to the day of the run. T-Shirts will be given at the T-Shirt Pick-Up Tent on Vesey Street at the end of the run. 

TBA

You may NOT pick up MORE than ten (10) bibs.

You must sign an acknowledgment/waiver for each bib you pick up. Click here for a waiver.

You must have a paper copy or electronic photo of the driver’s license/state identification for each participant bib you pick up.

There will be NO PAPER REGISTRATION allowed. Each participant must register through RunSignup and will be assigned a bib number.

Same-day registration is still an option. However, it may only be done electronically through RunSignup. To register during the packet pick-up days, you must register through RunSignup on your own device before being assigned a bib.

 

All 2023 T2T NYC Run registrants must have their bib in hand by 8:30 AM on Run Day, Sunday, September 24, 2023. As per security, No Bibs will be distributed after this time, and no exceptions can be made.

Yes – Water stations on the course are located at the end of the tunnel on the Manhattan side and on Vesey Street at the post-race BBQ & Concert. NO WATER BOTTLES ARE PERMITTED ALONG THE RUN COURSE. 

One (1) clear plastic bag will be supplied by UPS to put your belongings in. Please do not bring valuables. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is not responsible for personal items/valuables.

UPS trucks are located at the following locations:

Pre-event:

• Old Slip and Water Street (in close proximity to the Pier 11 Water Taxi)
• Brooklyn: Ikea Parking Lot

Post-event:

• Manhattan: West Street and Murray

• Cell phone use is strictly prohibited throughout the run course
• Strollers, wheelchairs, roller blades bicycles, and recumbent bikes
• Bags of any kind, including backpacks, purses, and fanny packs
• Water bottles, camelbacks, any type of hydration backpack
• Weapons of any kind or dual-use items that could be considered dangerous, including firearms, knives, mace, poles, umbrellas, etc.
• Props, including flag poles, Scott air-paks
• Child carriers
• Weighted vests
• Animals of any kind
• Selfie-sticks, GoPros, drones

Please adhere to the following rules:

For the safety and security of all participants, and as per law enforcement and the City of New York, the run is restricted to foot traffic only.

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited by participants along the racecourse.  For the safety of all participants, photos and video recordings are not permitted.This rule will be strictly enforced.

For any clarification or questions, please contact the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 718-987-1931

ALL SALES ARE FINAL, and we do not allow refunds. You may transfer your registration to another participant. To access your RunSignup account to transfer your registration, click here.

Of course not! Join us on Vesey Street for free food, drinks, and live entertainment at our post-run BBQ and Concert! Five-time GRAMMY award-winning trio Lady A is headlining the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC post-run concert on Vesey Street. Since their debut in 2008, Lady A has sold over 18 million albums, with 11 No. 1 singles and over five billion digital streams.

Known for their DIAMOND-certified hit “Need You Now,” which is the highest certified song by a country music group, Lady A is performing at the finish line where runners are met with a large BBQ, recovery tents, and more.

You can sign up to become a fundraiser by registering for the NYC Run & Walk at nycrun.t2t.org. Then click CREATE YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE. Then decide if you want to join a team or start your own fundraiser.

There is no minimum, but we encourage participants to raise funds to support our programs. Registration fees help offset some of the expenses of making the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC one of the country’s greatest annual events. Still, fundraising is essential for us to make a difference in the lives of so many in need.

This year we have brand new incentives for reaching $150, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, and $5000 fundraising goals!

TBA

Fundraising for the 5K Run & Walk NYC will remain open until Sunday, October 8, 2023

Your fundraising incentives will arrive by January following the event.

You will be climbing up to the 102nd floor.
The number of floors from the Start Line to the Finish Line is 104. While technically the Finish Line is on the 102nd floor, the Climb actually begins two floors below street level

There are a total of 2,226 steps to get to the 102nd floor.

• Cell phones
• Cameras
• Recording devices
• GoPros
• iPods/mp3 players
• Watches
• Water Bottles
• Bags of any kind

The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables that are lost or damaged

You will be able to check a bag at a UPS baggage truck prior to the start. A clear bag will be provided by UPS. Due to strict security regulations, we ask that you please report to the climb in athletic wear (i.e. shorts and a t-shirt).

 

Yes, the stairway is the same width throughout the whole distance of the climb.

 

Yes, participants will have to pass through hallways.

 

The stairwell winds to the right.

Yes.

We are limiting the event to 1000 participants – the earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to take part in this unique event!

There are only a few designated floors upon which someone can be removed from the stairwell. Therefore, prior to registering, you should have a reasonable expectation that you will be able to complete the climb. In the event you feel unable to finish, please report to a staff member.

Unfortunately, due to security restrictions, participants will NOT be allowed to wear their bunker/turnout gear, Scott Air Packs, etc. during the event. Only basic athletic wear (i.e. shorts and a tee-shirt) is permitted. Please contact T2TClimb@T2T.org if you have any questions.

An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers. The average participant will climb at a moderate pace and consider a 104-story climb to be more strenuous than their typical gym workout.

Friday, June 2, 2023
11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Location: Marriott Downtown Hotel, 85 West Street (at Albany St), 2nd floor lobby, New York, NY 10006

Saturday, June 3, 2023
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Marriott Downtown Hotel, 85 West Street (at Albany St), 2nd floor lobby, New York, NY 10006

Sunday, June 4, 2023 (Day of Event)
Starting at 4:00 am
Location: Packet Pick-Up Tent on Barclay St. between Greenwich St. and West St.

*You can pick up your bib and t-shirt here

 

You MUST provide CURRENT, VALID, government-issued photo ID, driver’s license or passport.

All climbers, registered MUST have a bib and government-issued photo ID with them in order to participate.  Participants will be provided a clear, plastic armband in which to display their photo ID for the climb. You must have your ID present with you on race day at all times.

If you cannot pick it up yourself, you can have someone represent you. In order for your packet to be released, please fill out the authorization form which is supplied below in the link. NOTE: Your packet will not be released without a copy of your ID, and the authorization form being presented. Click here for the form

Climbers’ start times must be staggered, with First Responders/Military and Elite Climbers starting in the first waves. This is done in order to ensure that the stairways aren’t congested and to ensure everyone’s safety in the stairwells.

Elite Climbers may finish the 104-story climb in less than 15 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-50 minutes to finish.

Yes, timing chips will be attached to the back of your bib number and will record your finish time. The timing chip should remain affixed to the back of the bib. In order to receive an accurate time, please make sure your bib is clearly visible on the FRONT of the torso. Do not fold or wrinkle your race bib or you risk breaking the timing chip. Make sure your bib is pinned in all four corners so the timing chip stays flat.

Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way.

There are only a few designated floors upon which someone can be removed from the stairwell.  Therefore, prior to registering, you should have a reasonable expectation that you will be able to complete the climb.  In the event you feel unable to finish, please report to a staff member.

Unfortunately, due to security restrictions, participants will NOT be allowed to wear their bunker/turnout gear, Scott Air Packs, etc. during the event. Only basic athletic wear (i.e. shorts and a t-shirt) is permitted. Please contact T2TClimb@t2t.org if you have any questions.

An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers. The average participant will climb at a moderate pace and consider a 104 story climb to be more strenuous than their typical gym workout.

Climbers’ start times must be staggered, with First Responders/Military and Elite Climbers starting in the first waves. This is done in order to ensure everyone’s safety in the stairwells.

Start times will be emailed a few days prior to the event date from T2TClimb@t2t.org to the email you used to register for the event.

Yes, but you must be part of a team in order to be assigned the same start time. Please make sure to indicate what team you are climbing with.

Yes, team members will be assigned the same start time UNLESS a team member indicates that he or she is an elite or first responder / military climber while the rest of the team is not. All elite or first responder / military climbers will be assigned to one of the initial waves.

Please plan to arrive at One World Trade Center NO EARLIER than 30 minutes PRIOR to your assigned start time to allow time to pass through security. 

All participants must have their bibs, a current government-issued photo ID and, proof of vaccination in order to participate in the event.  Participants will be provided a clear, plastic armband in which to display their photo ID for the climb.

We highly recommend that you take public transportation to the event. One World Trade Center is located in lower Manhattan and is easily accessible by many subway lines. For directions and updated service advisories, please visit www.mta.info.

All participants must report through the security checkpoint located on Barclay Street (between West & Greenwich Streets) and will be directed to the corral area with their assigned wave. Direct entry to the building is strictly prohibited.

Yes, there will be multiple water stations along the climb and also at the start and finish lines.

NO. Due to space limitations and security restrictions, no spectators are allowed at the finish line. Friends and family can wait for you at the post-race breakfast, held at Epicerie Boulud, in the Oculus; adjacent to One World Trade Center. Breakfast is free to Tower Climb participants wearing their bibs and available for purchase to all others.

Yes. All participants in the T2T Tower Climb will receive an event t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up locations (listed above). Note, that on the day of the climb (Sunday, June 4th), t-shirts will only be available outside at packet pick-up.

Climbers will be able to search their results at the post-race breakfast, held at Epicerie Boulud, in the Oculus; adjacent to One World Trade Center. Results will be posted the following day on the T2T.org website and will be emailed.

The entry fee for all climbers is $100.

Yes, there is a mandatory $250 minimum fundraising requirement for all participants in addition to the entry fee.

The goal of this event is to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s In the Line of Duty Program which supports our nation’s military, first responders, and their families.

If the event is canceled, runners will be refunded their registration fee back to the card that was used at the time of purchase. All fundraising is a donation to the foundation and will not be returned.

Participants who test positive and are no longer able to participate will receive a full refund of their entry fee. All fundraising is a donation to the foundation and will not be returned. To initiate a refund, please contact T2TClimb@T2T.org. Proof of positive test will be required.

Yes, participants in the T2T Tower Climb must be at least 13 years old on the event day and, for safety and security, must participate with a parent or legal guardian with government-issued photo ID.

Registration will close at midnight on Thursday, June 1st, or when capacity is reached.

Each participant must meet the fundraising requirement by Sunday, May 21, 2023. Participants must agree to meet the minimum fundraising requirement in order to register. If the fundraising minimum is not met by this deadline, participants’ credit cards will be charged $250 or the difference, should a portion of the $250 minimum be raised.

A Tunnel to Towers staff member will contact you for valid credit card information by June 1. If we are unable to reach you or obtain payment prior to event day, you will not be able to participate. We encourage you to use a credit card valid through at least July 2023 when registering to avoid any complications.

No. You will not be able to complete your registration if you do not agree to meet the fundraising requirement and understand that your credit card will be charged if the $250 minimum is not met by May 21. Therefore, if you have registered, you have agreed to these terms. Please carefully read all of the terms and conditions as you are registering. All participants are responsible for reading what they agree to when registering.

Yes. Once you have completed your registration, you can make a donation of $250 on your individual team page. You’ll be all set to participate but we still encourage you to fundraise beyond the $250 since all proceeds benefit our first responders and military heroes!

Yes. If you make a donation on your individual team page that is less than $250, you just have to raise the difference by the May 21st deadline. For instance, if you make an additional donation of $100 when you register, you’ll just have to raise $150 before May 21st or your credit card will automatically be charged the difference.

Yes, but only if the matching gift is received by 5 pm on Friday, April 21. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on pledges (matching gift or otherwise) since there is no guarantee payment will be received. If the matching gift is received by 5 pm on Friday, April 21st, we will be happy to apply it to your minimum requirement. Click here to see if your donation is eligible.

No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb and includes a participant t-shirt and entry up to the 102nd floor. This is why fundraising is so important! All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Unfortunately, group registration is not an option at this time. We ask that you register multiple participants as separate transactions. You will still be able to climb and fundraise as a group!

No, participation is non-transferable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution. We appreciate your understanding.

Take a look at our helpful Tower Climb registration walk-throughs, located on t2t.org/new-york-city-tower-climb

No – sign up as many teammates as you can!

Take a look at our helpful Tower Climb registration walk-throughs, located on t2t.org/new-york-city-tower-climb

Yes. Each team member is responsible for meeting his or her own $250 minimum fundraising requirement in addition to the $100 registration fee. All donations must be credited to an individual participant.

Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member’s registration fee. A company can choose to cover the minimum fundraising requirement for each team member as well, or hold each team member responsible for meeting the $250 minimum. The company will be invoiced for any minimum fundraising requirements that are not met by April 21, 2023, in order to allow for payment by the May 21, 2023 deadline.

We will provide the Team Captain with a code that he or she will need to provide to each team member, who will then enter it when registering online. No credit card information will be required. Please note that codes cannot be issued until payment is received, so you will need to confirm the number of team members in advance. We appreciate the extra effort and planning this requires. Please contact T2TClimb@T2T.org if you plan to pay by company check.