2021 Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb Tampa, FL
Schedule
Sat Oct 16 2021 at 08:00 am
Location
One Tampa City Center | Tampa, FL
How long is the T2T Tower Climb at Tampa City Center? You will be climbing up to the 41st floor and ending on the roof! That’s 861 steps! (The timing of the climb officially ends on the 39th floor but there are two additional flights to get to the roof.)
How many steps are there per flight?
The number of steps varies per flight.
Do I have to climb all the way to the 39th floor or the roof in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?
No, there will be several bailout floors throughout the climb. Going to the roof after completing the official climb on the 39th floor is optional. But we recommend you do it to check out the breathtaking views and to celebrate your achievement with the other climbers!
How many bailout floors are there?
Tere will be several opportunities to bail out on floors 13, 22, & 31. Water stations will also be available on those three floors.
Will there be medical assistance if necessary?
There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency.
Will hallways be included in the climb distance?
Yes, participants will have to pass through one hallway on the 39th floor to transition from stairwell 1 to stairwell 2 to get to the roof. This is optional only. There are no other transition points.
What direction does the stairwell wind?
The stairwell winds to the right.
How much time is allowed between climbers to allow for COVID protocols/social distancing?
We will be releasing climbers 40 seconds after the previous one which is double the amount of time we usually allow.
Is there a limit on how many people can register?
No! The more the merrier.
How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?
This depends on how many floors you climb, and on your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Elite Climbers may finish the 41-story climb in 6 minutes or less, while the average participant should take about 20-45 minutes to finish. Please Note: All climbers must use the elevator or the second stairwell to go down (not the main stairway).
Is this a timed climb?
Yes. Timing chips will be attached to the back of your bib and will record your finish time. The timing chip should remain affixed to your bib. In order to receive an accurate time, please make sure your bib is clearly visible on the FRONT of your torso.
Check back a few days before the climb for information on wave assignments and after the climb for the link to the website with official results!
Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?
Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way. Slower climbers should move to the left, allowing faster climbers to pass on the right.
I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?
No problem if you cannot finish. Just find a volunteer or staff member who can escort you to the nearest rest area and direct you to an elevator.
I’m a first responder/military. Can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, Scott pack, service/utility/combat unform, etc.?
Yes, you may wear your uniform with gear. In fact, we encourage it!
What is an "Elite Climber”?
An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, you may bring your cell phone.
Packet Pick-up
When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and t-shirt)?
Registration packet pickup will be on Friday, October 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the esplanade at 201 N. Franklin Street, the site of the climb.
On Saturday, October 16 (the day of the climb), you can pick up your bib and t-shirt starting at 7:00 am in the esplanade. All climbers MUST have a bib in order to participate. Non-bibbed spectators are welcome to cheer on climbers.
Event Day Information
What time should I arrive at Tampa City Center?
We will be open at 7:00 am for new registration and packet pick up. Please plan to arrive in time for the Opening Ceremony at 8:00 am
-8:00 am: Opening Ceremony
~8:30 am: Elite climbers and first responders/military climb
~9:00-11:30 am: General climbers climb
~11:30 am: Closing Ceremony and Awards
~100 pm: After party at the adjacent Hilton Hotel Tampa Downtown
Why am I being assigned a start time?
Climbers' start times must be staggered with Elite Climbers and First Responders/Military starting in the first waves. This is done to ensure that the stairways aren’t congested and to ensure everyone's safety in the stairwells.
When will I receive my start time?
Wave assignments will be emailed to you several days before the climb event.
I want to climb with my team, family or a group of friends. Will we be able to start the climb together?
Yes, but you must be part of a team to be assigned the same start time. Please make sure to indicate what team you are climbing with when you register.
Are team members assigned the same start times?
Yes, team members will be assigned the same start time UNLESS a team member indicates that he or she is an elite climber while the rest of the team is not. All elite climbers will be assigned to one of the initial waves. Check back a few days before the climb for information on wave assignments.
Can I climb in my bunker/turnout gear, Scott packs, service/utility/combat uniform, etc.?
Yes, please do. First Responders and military only.
Can I wear a weighted rucksack?
Yes. Ruck climbers are welcome!
Race-Day Information
How do I get to the event?
The address to use for your GPS is: 201 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available in the Fort Brooke Parking Garage, 107 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
Is a bag check area provided?
There will be no bag check so please plan accordingly. We will check any small items that can fit in a sandwich size clear Ziploc bag i.e. car keys, cell phone. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.
Are electronics, cameras allowed at the T2T Tower Climb?
No electronics are allowed in the stairwells.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, you may bring your cell phones in the stairs but please do not stop to take photos. Keep in mind there will be other climbers close behind you. We will have official race photographers stationed in the stairwell to take photos.
Will there be water stations along the climb?
Yes. There will be three water stations along the climb.
Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line on the 41st Floor?
No. Due to space limitations and security restrictions, no spectators are allowed at the finish line.
Will I receive an event t-shirt?
Yes. All participants in The T2T Tower Climb will receive an event t-shirt in your race packet and a finisher's medal after your climb. T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up location on the esplanade.
Registration Details
What is the entry fee for the T2T Tower Climb?
The entry fee for adult climbers, is $40. The entry fee for first responders is $25. Children 13 -17 are $20 and children 12 and under are $15. There is an option for a virtual registration that is $40. Note that we have a 50% off registration fee Early Bird Special through June 10. We will have a couple more specials leading up to the climb.
Is there a fundraising minimum?
NO! Not this year. After having to skip last year’s event due to the pandemic, we are only interested in getting our return climbers back on the stairs and getting some new climbers to come join us. Our goal is simply to get everyone together again for the Tampa Tower Climb so we can honor our first responders and military heroes.
What does the Foundation do with the money raised?
Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s various programs including our Smart Home Program, Fallen First Responder Home Program and Gold Star Family Home Program. To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and our programs, please visit www.tunnel2towers.org.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
No, there is no minimum age to participate. Children 17 and under must have parent permission to participate.
When is the deadline to register for the T2T Tower Climb?
Anyone can register for this event until the start of the climb. Please note, if you register after we close online registration or in person at the event our prices go up so register early to save.
Here’s the schedule for registration:
October 13 at 11:59 pm. online registration will close. Inperson registeration on October 15th and 16th WILL INCREASE TO $50 for adult registration options.
First responders/military and children will remain as is (first responders $25, children 13 -17 $20, children 12 and under $15).
Anyone wishing to register can do so at Packet Pick Up on October 15 or the morning of the climb between 7:00 and 8:00 am.
Can I make a donation towards my fundraising campaign?
Yes. Once you have completed your registration, you can make a donation on your individual fundraising page.
My company has a matching gift program. Can I submit my donation to my company for matching and have that amount added to my fundraiser?
Yes, but the matching gift must be received by October 11 in order to be applied to your fundraiser.
Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?
No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb and includes a participant t-shirt. All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
If I am no longer able to make it to the T2T Tower Climb after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else climb in my place?
No, participation is non-transferrable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution.
Team Information
How do I form a team?
You can form a team while you register online by selecting the option to "Fundraise as a team". You will be offered the option to JOIN A TEAM or START A TEAM. If you select join a team it will give you a list of current teams.
Is there a limit on team size?
No - sign up as many teammates as you can!
I am a Team Captain. Can I enroll all members of my team at one time?
Yes! You can register all your climbers.
Can I pay for my whole team by company check?
Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member's registration fee.
How do we register our company team if paying by check?
Please contact [email protected] if you plan to pay by company check.
Volunteer Information
How can I be a volunteer for the T2T Tower Climb?
We welcome volunteers to help us with the event. Please register as a volunteer on our registration page and contact [email protected] to express your interest in volunteering.
Donation Information
Do you accept donations for the T2T Tower Climb?
Yes. We are seeking donations of water, food or giveaways for our climbers.
Sponsorship Information
How can I be a sponsor for the T2T Tower Climb?
Sponsors make a big impact on our event and we have many opportunities for promotions at our event. Please contact [email protected] for any vendor or sponsor opportunities.
For additional questions about the climb please contact [email protected].
Where is it happening?
One Tampa City Center, Tampa, FL 33602, United States