Thousands Ran in Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K
Runners honored 9/11 victims and fallen service members during the 25th anniversary commemorative event.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Running
Live Poll
Do you believe annual commemorative runs effectively support families of first responders in your community?
Thousands of participants gathered in New York City on September 27, 2026, for the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K. The race traces the final path taken by firefighter Stephen Siller toward the World Trade Center to honor those lost during the 9/11 terror attacks.
Why it matters
The event serves as a major fundraising platform for families of fallen first responders and military personnel. It preserves the legacy of the 343 FDNY firefighters and over 7,000 U.S. service members who died in the line of duty.
The 5K route spanned the distance from the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel to Ground Zero. Participation has grown from 1,500 runners in 2002 to approximately 40,000 anticipated entries for this 25th anniversary milestone.
The players
Stephen Siller
He was an FDNY firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to reach the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The details
Participants ran through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, while a steel beam from the South Tower was paraded through Manhattan streets led by two horses. The event specifically honors 343 FDNY firefighters and law enforcement officers killed on 9/11, as well as over 7,000 U.S. service members lost in the Global War on Terror.
Timeline
September 11, 2001: The terror attacks occurred at the World Trade Center.
2002: The inaugural Tunnel to Towers run was held.
September 27, 2026: The annual Tunnel to Towers run occurred.
Season Trajectory
The Tunnel to Towers run serves as a cornerstone of annual memorial programming in New York City, anchoring the civic calendar to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. This event continues to scale in size, reinforcing its status as a permanent fixture in the city's commemorative landscape.
Participants navigate a specific 5K route that requires road closures through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel and Manhattan streets. The massive influx of 40,000 runners significantly impacts local transit and pedestrian flow throughout the Lower Manhattan area during the morning hours.
The takeaway
The race transforms a route of tragedy into a path of remembrance and support for families of fallen heroes. Participants contribute directly to the ongoing financial assistance programs that have expanded significantly since the event's inception.
Further reading
Learn more about local community events and athletic traditions in the Running section.
Live Poll
Do you believe annual commemorative runs effectively support families of first responders in your community?
