This past weekend, we had the honor of running the Tunnel to Towers 5K in St. Augustine, a race that’s so much more than just a 5K. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created to honor the legacy of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who gave his life on September 11, 2001, and to support first responders, military heroes, and their families. While we don’t run it every year, Mr. PugRunner believes very strongly in the cause, and we were proud to be a part of it.
About The Tunnel To Towers 5K
The Tunnel to Towers 5K is part of a nationwide series of races organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the legacy of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. On September 11, 2001, Stephen ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, in full gear, to reach the Twin Towers, where he gave his life saving others. The foundation was created to carry forward his memory by supporting first responders, Gold Star families, and veterans, providing mortgage-free homes, building smart homes for catastrophically injured service members, and offering financial support to families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty. It’s a beautiful cause with races and climbing events in so many cities across the United States.
The Night Before
We didn’t really do much prep for the race. In fact, I was pretty sure I was going to walk most of it as it has an incredibly late start time (around 8:43AM, for historical reasons). I did the usual things: put out my flat runner and went to bed on the earlier side.
Race Morning
Since the race was close to home and started later, I did get to sleep in a little. We did have to pick up our packet and find parking, so we left just before 7AM. This year, the race moved from the World Golf Village Hall Of Fame area to the Beachwalk neighborhood amenity center. WGV is much closer to us, but Beachwalk is beautiful with a huge manmade lagoon. We arrived and it was absolutely chilly and windy and lovely. We got our bibs and shirts and then we picked up our tags for the heroes for whom we wanted to run. I think it’s lovely to honor the first responders in that way.
The Pre-Race Presentation
Since this is a large fundraising event, there is a big pre-race presentation by the volunteer organizers. Participants enjoyed Amazing Grace by the local bagpipes and drums group and the National Anthem by an elementary school choir. The color guard presented the flags, and even the fire trucks rolled in for support. We listened to the story of Stephen Siller and how Tunnel To Towers works to reach its goals. No matter what, I always get filled up as we remember those who lost their lives that fateful day, and the survivors who continue on.
At The Start Line
After one more trip to the bathroom (real ones!), we took a pre-race photo and then moved to the start line. Firefighters and first responders in gear were asked to be the first at the line, and I loved that.
The clouds cleared a bit, which meant the sun started to beat down, but we were ready to go.
Miles 1 Through 3.1
Despite our original agreement, Mr PugRunner decided he wanted to run after all, so off we went. I don’t love the Beachwalk course (not complaining, just explaining as it is the route for several local races): it’s a box that runs from the amenity center, through part of the neighborhood, out and around the back perimeter of the community, on to the main county road, through a parking lot, and then back through the front of the community. Since it’s brand new, there really aren’t any mature trees providing shade. There were two well-stocked water stops along the way, and clear mile markers. We did intervals the whole time, and finished in the top 10 for each of our age groups. Yay for us.
The Finish Line
I was really surprised to see that we got medals this year. Usually, as a smaller fundraising event, bling is a pricey extra that takes away from the bottom line. It was nice to get a commemoration of the morning. We cheered on some more of the runners, especially the suited up responders coming through the finish line.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, this is a sentimental favorite. We are always so proud to be there in support of this great foundation. The move to Beachwalk was a great one, too. There’s still plenty of parking, a little bit more expertise in setting up a vendor’s village, real bathrooms, and access to the lagoon beach as a beautiful photo backdrop. It’s beautiful to see all the runners and walkers out there, united for one single cause, and I highly recommend it. One day, I think I would like to run in New York, where the race follows Siller’s actual route (although I think it might be too emotional). We will try to be back next year, for the 25th anniversary of September 11th.
Do you run a race in honor of 9/11?
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