Buffalo Hosted 11th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5k
Participants gathered to honor the sacrifice of first responders and military members.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Emergency Response
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The city of Buffalo held its 11th annual Tunnel to Towers 5k race, bringing together runners at dawn to support service members. The event honors those who serve and the legacy of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller.
Why it matters
The race serves as a tribute to the bravery displayed on September 11, 2001, while raising funds for the families of fallen first responders and military personnel. It connects local participants to a national mission of providing housing and financial support.
The race marked the 11th annual iteration of the event in Buffalo. Organizers coordinated the 5k course to facilitate the memorial run for local supporters.
The players
Stephen Siller
He was an FDNY firefighter who gave his life after running through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to reach the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
This organization provides homes and financial support to first responders and military members in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The details
Volunteers organized the event to honor first responders who run toward danger, mirroring the actions of Stephen Siller. Participants gathered in the Buffalo area, specifically in Cheektowaga, to complete the 5k route.
Timeline
September 11, 2001: Stephen Siller died responding to the Twin Towers.
September 20, 2026: The 11th annual Buffalo Tunnel to Towers race occurred.
Seasonal Patterns
The race commemorates the September 11 terrorist attacks by honoring first responders who served that day. This annual event continues a tradition of remembrance that aligns with the historical anniversary of the 2001 attacks.
Participants joined the event to support the foundation's ongoing programs for military and first responder families. Local attendees contributed to the national effort by running the 5k course in Cheektowaga.
The takeaway
The race highlights the ongoing impact of service and sacrifice within the community. Supporters are encouraged to maintain this tradition of honoring local responders through participation in future memorial events.
Further reading
Learn more about local events at the Buffalo Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
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