Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Swansboro, NC

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. We honor all of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.T2T.org. 

This will be the 6th year in Swansboro, and we are excited to bring our community together once again to HONOR our Military & First Responders, REMEMBER 9/11, and raise funds to DO GOOD through the Tunnel to Towers programs.  

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk?
This is a 5K (3.1 miles) event. Though the event will be timed, people of ANY age and ability are welcome to come out and run/walk…wheel, stroller, skip or… Click here for route. 

How can I pick up my packet?
We will have packet pickup on Friday night, 9/18 from 4-7 pm at the Swansboro Rec Center – the site of the event the next day. You may also pick up your packet on the morning of the event - from 6-7:30 am at the Rec Center.  

T-shirt Info: Shirt sizes are NOT guaranteed and are FCFS. i.e. - the sooner you pick up your packet, the better chance you have of getting your shirt in the size you selected at registration. NB- virtual runners are NOT eligible to receive shirts.  

Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. Online registration will stay open until 07:30 the morning of the event, and we will also be set up to allow registration on-site until then. 

Do I have to wear my bib number?
Yes. Please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. The bib holds the timing chip so, without it, you will not get your race time.  

I am a fast runner. Can I get a frontline position?
Our First Responders/Military members lead out the 5K. Runners predicting a pace faster than a 7 min/mi will be seeded in the front corral - behind our starters.  

Will there be awards for running? Yes. We will have medals to recognize the fastest finishers in several age/gender/group categories. There will be T2T-designed finisher medals for all who complete the course.  

Will water be available? Yes. There will be 3 water stations along the route. There will also be water, fruit & snacks at the finish line.  
What can I bring/wear to the event? Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the course. Firefighter turnout gear & military backpacks are also permitted. Please leave all personal items/valuables locked securely in your vehicle. Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.  

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?
No. The registration fee does not count toward your fundraising goal. 

Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes. Please ensure they have a copy of your registration confirmation.  

Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the event?
Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.  

How can my company/organization sponsor/donate goods & services to this event?
Please send all sponsorship correspondence to Swansboro@t2t.org with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you.  

As a participant, can I fundraise/encourage others to donate?
Yes! When you register, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page and you will be able to accept donations online. Please contact us at Swansboro@t2t.org and we can walk you through the process.  

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation?
Please mail any offline donations to:  

Tunnel to Towers Foundation  
ATTN: Colleen Grace/Swansboro 5K 
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306  

Checks should be made payable to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation and please note: Swansboro 5K 

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes. Please contact us at Swansboro@t2t.org for registration transfer instructions.  

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, registration may be transferred to another person. 

How can I volunteer?
Signup online as to Volunteer through our registration link or email us at Swansboro@t2t.org. Volunteers are needed for Friday’s packet pickup/site setup & for Saturday’s event/cleanup.  

Do registrants get receipts?
Yes. When you register online, you should automatically receive a receipt by email.  

Will there be medical staff available on-site?
Yes. There will be an Emergency Medical Service team available on-site. We will have radio communication on the course to communicate with the EMS.  

Join fellow runners on September 19, 2026 for the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Swansboro, NC. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Swansboro.