Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Delmarva, DE

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.

In 2023, we are celebrating our 5th year anniversary on Delmarva in Lewes, DE. We will once again hold the event at the historic Fort Miles Museum within Cape Henlopen State Park! We are excited to continue to bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the very important Tunnel to Towers programs – programs that help support our Nation’s heroes and their families.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk? 
While our typical courses are a 5K (3.1 miles), our course is slightly longer than a typical 5K, with it being 3.43 miles long to honor the 343 Firefighters lost on 9/11. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.

Where can I pick up my packet?
Details will be coming on packet pick up-check back for more details!

Can I register the day of the run? 
Yes. Registration will open at 6:30am the morning of the run. You’ll save time and money if you register online before we close the website. Those who wait to register on the morning of the 5K will pay an additional $10. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee t-shirt availability or sizes for day-of registrants. First come - first serve

When does online registration close?
Online registration will stay open until race start.

Is there parking available?
Yes, there will be plenty of free parking available. Parking for the 2023 event will be at the Senator McBride Beach Bathhouse parking lot, with shuttles bringing participants to the Fort Miles Museum lower lot. Signage will direct participants to the parking lot after entering the park.  The entry fee into Cape Henlopen State Park is included in your registration. You will need to mention “Tunnel to Towers” at the park gates to gain entry into the park and will be able to use all of the facilities of Cape Henlopen State Park after the 5K.  If you choose to leave Cape Henlopen State Park after the 5K, and re-enter after the event, you will be responsible for the entrance fee into the park.

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? 
We will be starting the 5K in waves, with First Responders leading in the first wave, followed by runners, and then walkers. Time between waves will be dependent on the number of participants and will be at the discretion of Seashore Striders.

Will there be awards for running? 
Yes, we keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders and military service members.  Awards will be given in the following age categories: Male/Female 13 and younger, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+, and Overall Male/Female, and Masters Male/Female. Timing services will be provided by Seashore Striders. Please note: awards are presented during the closing ceremonies, which are held after the last participant crosses the finish line. You must be present to accept your award (or make arrangements with someone to accept on your behalf), as we are unable to ship any awards / medals.

Will water be available? 
Yes, a water station will be available along the route and there will be water available at the finish.

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc? 
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. 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.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me? 
Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. 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 [email protected] with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you within 24-48 hours.

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that? 
You can contact us at [email protected] We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Stephen Siller's name. Your generosity will be 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. Do you want to donate cash/money? We can help you with that. Contact us at [email protected], and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to ATTN: Jen McGurk- 2361 Hylan Boulevard., Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page. It's easy!

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?
Please mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Attn:  Jen McGurk-T2T DELMARVA  5K Run & Walk
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant? 
Yes. See information above OR contact us at [email protected] and we will manually change it in our system.

Can I get a refund? 
We do not provide refunds for the event if you cannot make the date or the Foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances. Registrations may be transferred to another person.

How can I volunteer? 
It's simple! Email us at [email protected] and we will reply within 24 hours. Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities. Thank you!

Do registrants get receipts? 
When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt. If paying by credit card or check that is your receipt. If paying in cash, receipt upon request.

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.

What safety measures are you taking in regards to COVID-19?
We will be abiding by all local and state guidelines regarding masks and social distancing. Stay tuned for updates as the event gets closer.

Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives? 
Yes, we offer fundraising incentives each year; check out our latest in our Fundraising Guide. To qualify, complete your fundraising by June 30, 2023 for winter and spring events, or November 30, 2023 or summer and fall events.