Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY 2026

Description

What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk? The Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk & Climb 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 .

We are now the T2T 5K run / walk event for all of Central New York, including Utica, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, and surrounding areas. This will be the 6th annual Central New York event that will take place in Utica.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We will be honoring and remembering those lost on that day and those lost since due to 9/11 related illnesses.

When is the 2026 Utica Tunnel to Towers 5K Run / Walk? Sunday, August 16, 2026. Run/walk starts at 9:11 am. Opening ceremonies with guest speakers will begin at 8:30 am. We encourage everyone to come early enough to be part of our ceremonies which will honor and remember those lost on 9/11.

Where does the event start and finish? The event will start at the Utica 9/11 Memorial located at Sherman Drive & The Parkway (near MVCC). It will proceed westbound over the Parkway to Oneida St, northbound on Oneida St to Genesee St, then northbound on Genesee St to the downtown finish line. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, vendors and our closing ceremony with awards, so plan on sticking around after the run / walk!!

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk? This is a 5K (3.1 miles) to walk or run this event. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.

Where can I pick up my packet? Packet pickup will be at The Sneaker Store, 24 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY. Pickup will be Friday August 14 from 3 pm to 7 pm AND Saturday August 16 from 9 am to 3 pm. Race day pickup will also be available at the FINISH LINE AREA, in front of the State Office Building, at T2T Tent on Genesee St, Utica starting at 7:30 AM day of the race.

Can I register the day of the run? Yes. On site registration will open at 7:30 am the morning of the run and online registration will be open until 8:45 am the morning of the event. Please note if you wait to register after August 1, we cannot guarantee shirts or shirt sizes.

All day-of registrations will be paperless. We will have a QR code available to scan and you must use your phone and pay via credit card.

Is there a post race party or closing ceremony after the run / walk? Yes!! Live music by Poor Tim begins at 9:45 am and our closing ceremony, with guest speakers and awards, will begin at 11:00 am on Genesee St. in front of the State Office Building. We will also have various vendors, children’s activities and food trucks. After the actual T2T event, starting at 12 noon, our annual after party will take place with live entertainment and specials for all participants. Make a day of the CNY T2T event and join us for the after party!

Is there parking or shuttles available? Yes. On street parking will be available in the blocks surrounding the finish line area. Parking will also be available at the MVCC lot on the Sherman Drive side, near the gymnasium. Buses will be available to shuttle participants from the finish area to the start as well before the event only. Buses will run from 7:30 am to 8:45 am. THERE WILL BE NO SHUTTLE BUSES RUNNING AFTER THE EVENT SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

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? Runners predicting a pace faster than 7 minutes/mil