FAQs

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 93%; over 93 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 tenth 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. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates 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.

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)

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.

Transportation

Ferries:

Ferries are being provided. They leave from the Brookfield Place Terminal in Lower Manhattan every 15 min. The first ferry leaves Brookfield Place at 2:30pm and concludes at 11:30pm.

Parking:

Parking is free of charge and being provided at Liberty Science Center located at 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305. As you get closer follow the directional signage to the green parking lot.

Ride Share:

Taking a cab? The address of the event is 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

We ask anyone who wishes to attend to email us at liberty@t2t.org for specified transportation information.

Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ

Please visit https://t2t.org/Liberty2024/ to register for the event.

Saturday, September 28th. The day before our annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk New York City.

The park opens to the general public at 5 PM.

When you arrive, you’ll find a variety of food, drinks, and entertainment for all ages to enjoy!

This event is entirely free of charge!

Yes, for guests over 21, there will be a designated area where you can enjoy an adult beverage. Please note that the 21+ section is strictly for adults, and no children are allowed in this area. Additionally, alcohol is not permitted outside of the designated 21+ section.

Outside alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. All bags are subject to search upon entry. Failure to comply may result in the removal from the park for the remainder of the event. Tailgating is also strictly prohibited.

Yes, ensuring the safety of all guests is our top priority. Security personnel will be stationed at all entrances and exits. Anyone entering the event must pass through metal detectors, and all bags will be subject to search. Large bags are not permitted. Please note that weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.

We’re fortunate to host our annual pre-race event at the beautiful Liberty State Park. To maintain the park’s integrity, please adhere to all guidelines. Non-compliance may result in removal from the event.

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 begins in Brooklyn and concludes in Manhattan on West Street at Murray Street. Participants wearing their bibs should enter through the security checkpoint at Coffey Park on Dwight 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.

The most cost-effective option is to register to participate when registration opens.

Please note that pricing increases as the date of the event approaches.

• May 21 through May 31: $45 No Chip / $55 with Chip
• June 1 – June 30: $55 No Chip / $65 with Chip
• July 1 – August 15: $65 No Chip / $75 with Chip
• August 16 – September 23: $75 No Chip / $85 with Chip
• September 24 – September 28: $80 No Chip / $90 with Chip

No – You will not be able to register on the day of the event.

Online registration closes Saturday, September 28th at 4:00 pm. Same-day registration is not available. All Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC  registrants must have their bib in hand by 5 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

NO bibs will be distributed on Race Day, September 29, 2024. NO exceptions can be made.

*Timing chips are subject to availability and may sell out before their final sale date of September 28, 2024.

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. Please note that timing chips are only available while supplies last. They cannot be purchased on the day of the run.

Yes – Free transportation is provided by Tunnel to Towers via New York Water Taxi service, which begins at 6:00 AM. Water taxis leave from Pier 11/Wall Street Terminal. You must be on line by 7:30 AM to guarantee transportation to the start line. Due to extreme traffic conditions in the Red Hook area, law enforcement strongly recommends the use of mass transportation.

Upon landing in Brooklyn, please proceed to the security checkpoint located at the Dwight Street entrance to Coffey Park for admittance to participant corrals.

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. NO EXCEPTIONS.

There is no parking on the Brooklyn side and only limited parking by South Street Seaport in Manhattan. Use of the New York Water Taxi is strongly encouraged for the event.

2024 NYC Run Packet Pick Up Schedule
Bibs/runner’s packets and volunteer/vendor credentials can be picked as follows:

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Hours: 4pm – 9pm
Please be in line by 8:30pm
Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn
Above Ballroom
1100 South Avenue
Staten Island, NY

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Hours:  4pm – 9pm
Please be in line by 8:30pm
Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn
Above Ballroom
1100 South Avenue
Staten Island, NY

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Hours: 1pm – 6pm
Please be in line by 5:30pm
Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn
Above Ballroom
1100 South Avenue
Staten Island, NY

Friday, September 27, 2024

Hours: 11am – 8pm
Please be in line by 7:30pm
The Conrad Hotel
West Ballroom, 2nd Floor
102 North End Ave
NYC

Saturday, September 28, 2024

10am – 5pm
Please be in line by 4:30pm
*  Registration closes at 4pm
The Conrad Hotel
West Ballroom, 2nd Floor
102 North End Ave
NYC

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL BIBS MUST BE IN HAND NO LATER THAN 5PM ON SATURDAY 9/28, AS THERE WILL BE NO RUN DAY PACKET PICK UP AVAILABLE.

• You may NOT pick up MORE than ten (10)
• 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 Each participant must register through RunSignup and will be assigned a bib number.

You must sign up to participate prior to run day, and will not be able to do so on the day of the event.

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 and concert. NO WATER BOTTLES ARE PERMITTED ALONG THE RUN COURSE.

• 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, CamelBaks, 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 race course.  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!

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.

Team captains can create a custom page where one or more people can raise money for one fundraising team.  If you have questions about setting up a fundraising page, please email nyc@t2t.org.

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.

• $150 – 2024 Challenge Coin
• $250 – Large Canvas Tote Bag with 2024 Challenge Coin
• $500 – Carhartt Canvas Mesh Back Cap with 2024 Challenge Coin
• $1000 – Perka Kempton 40oz. Stainless Steel Travel Mug with 2024 Challenge Coin
• $2500 Level – New Era Women’s OR Men’s Fleece 1/4 – Pullover with 2024 Challenge Coin
• $5000 Level – All of the items listed above

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.

Due to strict security regulations, climbers will only be permitted to participate in basic athletic wear (i.e. shorts, T-shirt, sneakers). 

Prohibited items are as follows, but not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Cameras, GoPros, recording devices of any kind
• iPods/mp3 players, headphones
• Watches, fitbits, fitness trackers
• Food, water bottles
• Bags of any kind, including runner’s belts or fanny packs
• Hats, baggy clothing
• Props, such as firefighter gear

All participants will pass through magnetometers and are subject to search.

Please direct all inquiries regarding the above to T2TClimb@T2T.org. In order to ensure adequate time for a response, submissions must be received on or before the close of business on Friday, May 16, 2025.

You will be able to check a bag at a UPS baggage truck on Barclay Street prior to entering the corrals. A clear bag will be provided by UPS. 

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

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

Yes, participants will have to pass through landings and a hallway on the 102nd floor to the finish.

The stairwell winds to the right.

Yes.  Climbers must reasonably expect to be able to complete the climb.

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. For security reasons, and 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 by events staff. 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-Paks, 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.

Friday, May 30, 2025

11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street, 2nd Floor, NYC

Saturday, May 31, 2025

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street, 2nd Floor, NYC

Sunday, June 1, 2025 (Day of Event)

4:00 am – 6:30 am

Packet Pick-Up Tent on Barclay St. between Greenwich St. and West St.

*Please note that participants are asked to report to corrals 60-minutes prior to their wave time.

You MUST provide CURRENT, VALID, government-issued photo ID – driver’s license or passport – in order to pick up your bib, and have it with you at all times the day of the event.

All registered climbers 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 are unable to pick up your packet yourself, you can have someone represent you. In order for your packet to be released, please fill out the authorization form. NOTE: Your packet will not be released without a copy of your ID, and the presentation of a completed authorization form.

Climbers’ start times must be staggered, with Elite Climbers starting in the first wave. This is done in order to best ensure that the stairways aren’t congested and to ensure everyone’s safety during the climb. In addition, the stairwell must be clear by 9 am. Security measures require start times to be strictly enforced.

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 climber while the rest of the team is not. All elite climbers will be assigned to the initial wave.

Please plan to arrive at the security checkpoint on Barclay Street (between West & Greenwich Streets) at One World Trade Center NO EARLIER than 60-minutes PRIOR to your assigned start time to allow time to pass through security. 

All participants must have their bibs and a current government-issued photo ID 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 a total of three water stations along the climb:  two on designated landings in the stairwell (on floors 35 and 64), and also at the finish line on the 102nd floor.

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.

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 also 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, participants 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.

Yes, participants in the T2T Tower Climb must be at least 13 years old on the event day. Minors will not be permitted entry unless accompanied by a registered adult participant.

Registration will close at midnight on Thursday, May 29, or when capacity is reached.

Each participant must meet the fundraising requirement by Sunday, May 18, 2025. 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 May 31. 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 2025 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 18. 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 18 deadline. For instance, if you make an additional donation of $100 when you register, you’ll just have to raise $150 before May 18 or your credit card will automatically be charged the difference.

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.

Yes! Group registration is available. However, please note that if you utilize the group registration option, the primary registrant’s credit card will be charged for any fundraising minimums not reached by Sunday, May 18, 2025.

In addition, please note that individuals who register separately have the ability to join an existing team so that you are 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 18, 2025, in order to allow for payment by the May 18, 2025 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.

Yes. In order to ensure the fundraising success of this event, there is a minimum fundraising requirement of $250 for each participant. We encourage everyone to raise funds beyond the $250 requirement as the proceeds raised from this iconic event will benefit the Foundation’s programs honoring first responders and our nation’s catastrophically wounded service members. You could be eligible for some great fundraising incentives too! We know you can do it!

Fundraising Incentives TBD

Fundraising incentives for events from January to June will arrive by September following the event.

Fundraising incentives for events from July to mid-Oct will arrive by December following the event.

Fundraising incentives for events from mid-October to December will arrive by February following the event.