Tunnel to Towers Run

Eleven years ago, firefighter Stephen Siller had just finished the late shift at Squad 1 in Park Slope, Brooklyn when he heard on the scanner that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. He put on his gear and raced his truck to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which had just been closed to traffic.

Sarah Siller with photo of Stephen. (Doug Kanter/AFP/Getty)

Since then, the Siller Family has honored Stephen’s legacy with the Tunnel to Towers Run. CBS 2 has served as a proud media sponsor of the Tunnel to Towers Run since its inception and continues on this tenth year of the event.

(credit: Julie Parise/CBSNewYork)

CBS 2 will broadcast the run in an hour-long special at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30th. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation believes that we can transcend the tragedy of 9/11 through the grace that comes from the power of caring.

Follow in the footsteps of a hero by participating in this 5K run beginning on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

Pre-registration is strongly advised and required if you want a timing chip. The registration fee is $50 for runners and walkers until September 24th and $75 afterwards. Children under the age of 12 run for free. Timing chips are an additional $10 regardless of your registration date. You can register online, by mail or in person.

Registration packets can be picked up in advance or on race day. Day-of registration is allowed but expect long lines and don’t be late; the race starts promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Racers line up at the starting line of the Tunnel to Towers run, Sunday Sept. 25, 2011 (credit: Marla Diamond/WCBS 880)

If you are planning on race-day registration, make sure to get to the IKEA Parking Lot at 1 Beard Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn no later than 8 a.m. Backpacks cannot be worn during the race but UPS supplies complimentary transport of small personal items from the start to finish lines.

After the race, free post-run massages are also available to soothe sore calves and feet. Keg beer can be bought up and down the street and activities for kids like face painting make the Tunnel to Towers after party an integral part of the day’s experience. As soon as it’s over, you’ll be counting the days until next year’s race.

For more information and to register, go to Tunnel To TowersRun.org or call 718-987-1931. For more tips on making the most of race day, check out CBSNewYork.com’s Guide To the Tunnel To Towers 5k.