Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Orlando, FL

What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K 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 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 by supporting 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.

• Our 5K Run & Walk Orlando event attracts hundreds of local first responders and military service members and close to 2000 participants. Please join us and help honor our heroes.
• This year marks the 14th anniversary of our Orlando event at Cranes Roost Park and also the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. 

Please watch our 2025 T2T Orlando Race Video!

How far is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk?
This is a 5K (approx 3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event.

What time does the 5K begin?
All participants registered as a First Responder/Military are asked to be at the start line at approx. 7:00 AM, allowing spectators to line the course to show their thanks and respect, followed by a brief 9-11 ceremony starting at 7am and Race time beginning at 7:30 AM.

Where can I pick up my packet?
PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE (Altamonte Springs)
Next to Whole foods, 375 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Please follow our Tunnel to Towers Orlando Facebook page (T2T ORLANDO FB page) for the most up to date information as the event date approaches. 

Packet pick-up times?
TBD

NEW SCHEDULE!!  Packet Pickup will be Wednesday and Thursday (Sept 9th and 10th) this year!  We will not be having packet pickup on Friday in order to allow us to prepare for the day of the event. You may also pick up on race morning at the venue starting at 6:00am. 

Can I register the day of the run?
Same day Registration and Packet pickup will open at 6am on the day of the race. Day of registrations will only be available using a Q reader through your cell phone only. No paper registrations will be used. 

When does online registration close?
*IMPORTANT* Online registration will remain OPEN through Saturday, September 12, 2026 and close promptly at 7:30 AM at race time.  Registration prices on race day will increase $10 for all registrations except for First Responders. You can register on race morning at the Cranes Roost event site - it opens at 6 AM. 

Is there parking available?
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Altamonte mall parking lot.

Do I have to wear my bib number?
Yes. Your race bib must be clearly displayed on the front of your outermost garment at all times. Participants without a visible bib may be removed from the course and will not receive an official finish

I am a fast runner. Can I get a front-line position?
There will be an announcement for fast runners to come to the 'Start'. However, please note that all First Responders will be corralled at the starting line at the beginning of the race and we ask that their position be respected as all runners and walkers should be positioned behind them. The race is a chipped event; therefore, times are calculated based on crossing the timing mat.

Is there a First Responder Team Challenge this year?  
No, in recognition of that defining moment in history, we have made the thoughtful decision to place the 'First Responder TEAM Competition Award' on hold beginning with this year’s T2T Orlando 5K. Our hope is to honor the true spirit of 9/11 by coming together as ONE — just as our first responders did that day — without distinction, competition, or division.

While this team challenge award will not be presented this year, the 9/11 Stephen G. Siller Steel trophy and the 9/11 Stephen G. Siller Heroes trophy will both be respectfully displayed at the event for viewing and photo opportunities for the community. We hope they will serve as a quiet reminder of the camaraderie, sacrifice, and legacy they represent. All other individual competitions will remain the same.

Individual First Responder Competition - what are the Uniform Requirements? The (Optional) Individual First Responder competition is an intense test of endurance requiring participants to run in full turnout gear. This tribute is intended for those who are physically prepared for the demands involved. Participants accept responsibility for their participation.

Note: All first responders competing in the competition must wear the same configuration of turnout gear to ensure fairness and consistency in the challenge.

Firefighters: Minimum standard includes jacket, liners, pants and helmets. *tanks and boots are discouraged. 

Law Enforcement Officers: Minimum standard includes approved uniform (can be summer uniform), gun belt, and body armor.

Military: Minimum standard includes approved military uniform and gear as required by the military branch.

Will water be available?
Yes, water stations will be available along the route and there will be water available at the Start/Finish Line.

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, dogs, bicycle, etc.?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted and encouraged! Please leave all personal items and valuables in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

Can I bring my pet to the event?
No, there is a city ordinance that does not allow pets in the event site when an event involves road closures.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?
Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal.

Registration fees help offset some of the expenses associated with making the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk one of the country’s greatest annual events, however, your fundraising efforts enable us to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many in need.

Can I get a refund? Can I transfer my registration?
We do not provide refunds for the event regardless of if you cannot make the date or the foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances. Registration may be *transferred to another person. This is a rain or shine event, but we will cancel if weather conditions become unsafe.

*Transfers must be received before Thursday, September 10th. 

Running with someone else’s bib without notifying the race directors or timing company is a safety issue and is not permitted. Should something happen to you out on the race course, we need to ensure you receive the appropriate care and the appropriate emergency contact is reached. If you are caught running with someone else’s bib, you will be disqualified. 

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. 

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

Where do I pick up my award if I win?
In order to expedite our post-race ceremony, we will be instituting a change to how the age group awards are handed out. We will have an “Awards Tent” set up on the site. Using a “QR” code, you will be able to access the results for your time and age group finish place. If you finished in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in your age group, you can pick up your award at the “Awards Tent”. Please have your bib with you so we can verify the result. Signs with the “QR” code will be placed around the “Sponsor Village”.

Do you have a map of the event location? 
Coming soon!

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?
Please send all sponsorship correspondence to orlando@t2t.org with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?
You can contact us at orlando@t2t.org. We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation “In the Line of Duty” programs. 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 orlando@t2t.org and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (ATTN: T2TOrlando) 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page. 

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation) Reach out to the race director at Orlando@t2t.org
Please mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Attn: T2TOrlando/Adam
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

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 November 2026.