Is the 2020 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC still on?

No. This year’s 5K Run & Walk NYC has been canceled. For that reason, we will be holding the Never Forget Virtual Challenge that can be joined by anyone, anywhere across America.

What is the Never Forget Virtual Challenge?

The Never Forget Virtual Challenge is a challenge to have people do one thing to honor and remember the sacrifice of 9-11. It is our hope that individuals, families, first responders, military and anyone who would have supported one of our Run and Climb events, including the NYC 5K Run and Walk, would take time to share how they will “Never Forget.” 

How did the Never Forget Virtual Challenge get started?

This year the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will be facilitating the annual reading of the names of all the 2,977 people who gave their lives on 9-11. We encourage everyone near or far to NYC to join in our efforts to Never Forget and do something in your hometown to join us in this challenge.

When does this challenge start and finish?

Registration will open on August 24th and close on October 19th.  Anyone who registers is encouraged to participate in the challenge at any time during the campaign period.

How can I take part?

Register today by going to this link. Click here Once you register, decide how you will remember 9-11.  We have made some suggestions below but feel free to get creative with your remembrance. The key is to tell us what you did by posting pictures, screenshots, and using hashtags on your social media pages. 

Do a 5K – walk, run, bike – this is the distance Stephen Siller ran in full turnout gear.

Light a candle on 9-11 and leave it lit in your home for the day.

Do 9-11 push-ups, jumping jacks, jump rope

Whatever you do – take a picture, wear your Tunnel to Towers Custom Bib that you will receive upon registering, or your Tunnel to Towers shirts, and let us know how you did!  

Remember the goal is to keep it simple and do this one time when you can!

I don't run or walk, can I choose my own way to remember and still participate and be part of the virtual challenge?

No problem! We want everyone to participate and take time to remember 9-11 in any way that you can.

  • Perhaps your challenge includes prayer or lighting a candle in your home. 
  • If you have kids – sit down and talk to them about 9-11. Have your kids draw a picture to help remember 9-11.  The Foundation has some coloring sheets that are easily downloaded and printed that can help you start the conversation. Click here to download coloring pages
  • Chalk your driveway or sidewalk with the words Never Forget on September 11th
  • Light a candle on September 11th
  • Hang your American flag at half-mast
  • Thank a first responder or military veteran

Are there any limitations on how I can participate?

We are only limited by our imagination! We want you to keep it simple and meaningful!

Will there be any special recognition or awards for those that participate and reach their goals?

No. This is not a contest. Our goal is to Never Forget 9-11 and encourage everyone to do something to remember the sacrifices 2,977 people made for us on that day. 

Do I need to participate every day in order to qualify?

No, keep it simple. Pick one time, do your virtual challenge, take a photo, share it on social media and you’re almost done! Don’t forget to challenge 11 more people to do the same!  Remember it doesn’t have to be on 9-11 it can be done any time during the campaign period.

How will you know that I completed my challenge?

We won’t know until you post and share it on social media. Use our hashtag to help us track your “virtual challenge” #T2TNeverForget

If I am unable to participate, is there some place that I can donate to show support for the Foundation?

Yes, you can start a fundraising campaign today or donate by clicking here

What is the best way to promote and share with others to encourage participation and help create awareness?

What is the best way to promote and share with others to encourage participation and help create awareness?

Share on social media and help us to get as many people to be involved as possible. If you have attended any of our events in the past, wear your Tunnel to Towers shirt or hat, post the picture, and tag your friends.  Use our hashtag #T2TNeverForget

It’s free to join us!!!!  Just share our registration link here:

t2t.org/neverforgetvirtualchallenge/

Virtual Challenge Registration Options

  • Free – Virtual Challenge Registration Digital Bib
  • $30 – T-shirt & Virtual Challenge Registration Digital Bib
  • $50 – Hat, T-shirt & Virtual Challenge Registration Digital Bib

Take a look at the T-shirt and Hat examples below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items are shipped at the end of the campaign and cannot be refunded, returned or exchanged.

100% Cotton T-shirt – Unisex (these traditionally run small)

  • Adult Sizes (S-3XL) – Color: Icy grey
  • Youth Sizes (XS-XL) – Color: Ash

When will I receive my items?

If you registered for one of the options that includes a Tunnel to Towers shirt or hat, you will receive your item within 4 weeks of October 19th.

Is my paid virtual participation tax-deductible?

No, the entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the Tunnel to Towers “Never Forget Virtual Challenge”, and includes your digital bib, shirt, and/or other item. This is why your 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.

Is this a fundraiser?

Yes! We raise funds to continue our mission of “doing good” by providing mortgage-free homes to fallen first responder and gold star families with small children as well as building smart homes for the most catastrophically injured service members all over the country. 

Is there a fundraising minimum?

No, there is no minimum. Every donation we receive will help us.  

Do I have to fundraise to participate?

Fundraising is optional but donations enable the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to continue their mission of “doing good”. 

Are there fundraising incentives?

Yes, check out all the cool things you can earn with your fundraising efforts.

$150 – Running Belt Waist Pouch – The reflective detail on the front pouch offers improved visibility on lower-light runs.

$250 – Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle – This insulated 17oz. bottle keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 17 hours

$500 – Champion© Athletic Baseball Hat – The 100% cotton cap sports eyelets for better airflow and an adjustable back strap for flexibility

$1,000 – ULTRA Plush Blanket – Designed for comfort, this beautiful 50” x 60” throw blanket is embroidered with the Tunnel to Towers logo

$1,500 – Set of Handcrafted Aluminum Coasters – Handmade and engraved by one of our very own Smart Home recipients, GYSGT Travis Green, USMC

$5,000 – DELUXE COASTER & GLASSES COMBO – Both the aluminum coasters handmade by GYSGT Travis Green and the laser engraved glasses in one great package