2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Columbia, SC

Schedule

Fri, 10 Sep, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Location

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | Columbia, SC

Why is it required to answer YES or NO to the Covid-19 vaccination question?
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has followed all protocols and guidelines implemented since COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic. Each city and state currently has their own regulations in place, and Tunnel to Towers must be prepared and collect all data for whatever new guidelines may be implemented.
What is a Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk?

The Tunnel to Towers 5K 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. Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.tunnel2towers.org.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of 9-11 and we will honor that day in a very special way during the entire weekend. On Friday, September 10, 2021 thousands of people will run or walk to honor first responders and remember all of those lives lost on 9-11.

On Saturday September 11, 2021 there will be a solemn ceremony hosted by the 911 Remembrance Foundation at the 911 Military Service Members and FIrst Responder Memorial in downtown Columbia.
This local memorial is dedicated to all SC Midlands firefighters, law enforcement, ems, and branches of the military who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 9/11/01. The memorial is constructed of two granite towers as well as two beams from the twin towers of the World Trade Center, remembering September 11, 2001. The memorial is a partnership with the City of New York and the Midlands. The memorial was dedicated on 9/11/2011 to the heroes that have given everything for their country and community.

How Far is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk?
This is a 5k (3.1 miles). You are welcome to walk or run this event.
Can I get a timing chip?
Yes, this is a timed race.
All registrants who complete online registration before Tuesday September 7 at 11:59 pm will be chip timed. Anyone who registers after that time will not be timed for the event.
When do Online Sales Close?
Our Online sales will not be closing. Anyone registering at the event will be using a Q-code on their phone and a credit card to register. In addition if you register at the event you will not be chip timed. All registrants who complete online registration before Tuesday September 7 at 11:59 pm will be chip timed. Anyone who registers after that time will not be timed for the event.
Will I get a Tunnel to Towers event t-shirt?
We will do our best to accommodate all registrants. If you register late (after September 1, 2021) we will not guarantee shirt sizes. If you register at the event we do not guarantee you will receive a shirt.
Can I register the day of the run?
YES. Please be prepared for our NEW Paperless system. You’ll scan a Q-code on your phone and pay by credit card only. You may register in person at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center beginning at 10 a.m.
We will be 100% paperless.
If you register the day of the run you will not be timed.
Can I get a refund? Can I transfer my registration?
Unfortunately, ALL SALES ARE FINAL and we do not allow refunds. However, you may transfer your registration to another participant by emailing [email protected].
Who is a Hero?
Every first responder--- firefighter, law enforcement officer, EMS/paramedic, and/or past or present member of our US Armed Forces (including National Guard)--- is an important HERO in our community. First responders should register for this discounted rate and be prepared to provide official identification if requested.
What is the First Responder Team Competition?
For firefighters: The Stephen G. Siller Steel Award: This stately award will display a piece of the Twin Towers steel and can be won by the fire department which has a team of 5 participate by running in turnout gear; the four fastest times of their team members will be combined for the team’s total. The team with the fastest combined time will win the award and will have it to display in their station until the next year's run, at which time the award will be transferred to the next winning team. Win it again, and the team keeps it for another year! Please note: Our equipment policy for participating in the Siller Steel Award is competitors must run in jacket (no liner), pants, helmet, and running shoes. No tank or boots is required.
After all five firefighters from a team have registered online (using the Hero Rate), please send the team name and five firefighters' names to [email protected].
Do you provide transportation to the event?
No, we do not provide transportation to and from the event.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is parking available nearby. Please pay attention to parking info which will be sent to you prior to the run/walk as there are several other major events in Downtown Columbia that night, and only certain areas and nearby lots will be designated for our participants' use.
Where can I pick up my packet?
Packet pick up details will be coming soon!
Do I have to wear my bib number?
Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment.
Will water be available?
Yes, two water stations will be available along the route, and there will be water available at the finish.
What can you bring to the event?
Backpacks, diaper bags, etc. are allowed.
Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc?
One can run with a stroller, backpack, or wheelchair. Roller blades or bicycles are NOT allowed.

What is the difference between the Virtual Run registration option and the others?
As a virtual participant, you will be able to run or walk the event from anywhere. If you’re unable to attend the event or are hesitant about going out, you can still participate and support. Please note that you will receive a t-shirt with this registration option but you must pick up your shirts at the scheduled packet pick up for the event. We will not ship or mail any t-shirts.

VOLUNTEERING:
How can I volunteer?
It's simple! Click on the volunteer option while above and enter your information to sign up. Thank you!
The purpose of our race is to raise funds to build smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans, and we couldn’t do it without you! Our race runs on volunteers. Everything from registration and packet pick up and staffing water stations. The needs are many and this is your opportunity to be a part of history.
Race Registration Volunteers: These individuals will assist interested runners complete their race registration on the day of the race, if they have not already done so. This is primarily a stationary position at the registration booth. AM, mid-morning and PM shifts are available. (5-8 per shift)
Packet Pick Up Volunteers: These individuals will interact with the already registered runners to assist them in picking up their packets which will include their runner bibs, t-shirts, etc. This is primarily a stationary position at the registration/packet pick up table. AM, mid-morning and PM shifts are available. (5-8 per shift)
T-shirt volunteers: These volunteers will back up the Packet Pick Up volunteers and pull shirts by size as they are called out by the PPU volunteers. This job may require some heavy lifting. AM, mid-morning and PM shifts are available. (5-8 per shift)
Water Stations: There are 3 water stations on the course. Each one requires at least 15 volunteers. All materials for this station (water coolers, water, ice, cups) are provided. These positions are on the outer areas of the course. Your organization may set up banners and signs advertising your group at your water station as long as they do not impede the runners. This position requires mobility and possibly heavy lifting. Must be in position no later than 6 pm.
Parking Lot Monitors: Teams of 2 or more will patrol on foot in the parking areas. Responsibilities will only be to be a set of eyes in the parking areas. Law enforcement will handle any security issues. This is a PM shift only between 5:30-9 pm.
The 343: On 9/11/2001, we lost 343 first responders when the Twin Towers fell. At our race, we have poster size photographs of each of those heroes. We are looking for 343 volunteers to hold those signs on a portion of the race course. This position requires standing from 6:45-8:00 pm.
Other opportunities are available as well…. Please register today as a volunteer.

FUNDRAISING, DONATIONS & INCENTIVES:
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.
Contact us at [email protected] and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to Tunnel to Towers Foundation - Attn: LIZ CURTIS/T2T COLUMBIA SC -- 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 - please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page
Does my registration fee count towards my 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.
To show our appreciation for your time, passion, and effort, we recognize each fundraising milestone that is
Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the start of the race?
Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.
How can my company/organization sponsor this event?
Please send all sponsorship correspondence to [email protected] 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 [email protected]. We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Stephen Siller's name. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?
Please mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Attn: T2T Columbia 5k Run and Walk
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 June 30, 2021 for winter and spring events, or October 10, 2021 for summer and fall events

When will my fundraising incentive arrive?
Incentives are sent in December of 2021.
Additional Questions:
Email us at [email protected]

Where is it happening?

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

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Host or Publisher Tunnel to Towers Foundation

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