Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC
The Tunnel to Towers 5K 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. It honors all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and supports our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. On Friday, September 4, 2026 thousands of people will run or walk to honor first responders and remember all of those lives lost on 9/11.
This is a 5k (3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event. The race will be chip timed.
Race Location & Timing
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC US 20201
Online Sales Close: Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Packet Pick Up: Thursday, Sept 3rd from 4 pm-7 pm and Friday, Sept 4th 9am - 6pm at the Convention Center.
Race Start Time: 7:00 PM
Registration & Pricing
- Fort Jackson Registration: 5K, $0.00
- ROTC Registration: 5K, $0.00
- National Guard Registration: 5K, $0.00
- Shaw Air Force Base: 5K, $0.00
- Adult Registration: 5K, $30.00 - $50.00
- First Responders & Military Registration: 5K, $25.00 - $40.00
- Youth Registration (13-17 yrs): 5K, $10.00 - $30.00
- Child Registration (12 & Under): 5K, $5.00 - $20.00
Note: All sales are final; refunds are not permitted, but registrations may be transferred.
Event Details
Hero Categories: First responders (firefighter, law enforcement, EMS/paramedic) and past or present members of the US Armed Forces are considered Heroes and eligible for discounted rates.
First Responder Team Competition: The Stephen G. Siller Steel Award is available for fire departments with a team of 5 running in turnout gear. The team with the fastest combined time wins.
Awards: Participation medals will be given. Individual awards include Overall, Master, Grand Masters, and Age Group categories.
Parking: Available at the Convention Center parking lot (before 5:30 PM) and public garages/street parking. Specific instructions will be provided prior to the event.
Water Stations: Two water stations will be available on the route, plus water at the finish line.
Allowed Items: Strollers, backpacks, and wheelchairs are permitted. Rollerblades and bicycles are not allowed.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed if leashed and in accordance with City of Columbia Animal Ordinances.
Volunteer Opportunities
Various volunteer roles are available, including Race Registration, Packet Pick Up, T-shirt Distribution, Water Stations, Parking Lot Monitors, and holding signs for the 343 fallen first responders.
Fundraising & Donations
Participants can create fundraising pages. Donations are accepted for 6 weeks after the event. Offline donations can be mailed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, ATTN: Colleen Grace, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit t2t.org.