The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk takes place in Ocean Beach on Fire Island, New York, on July 26, 2026. This running event starts at 9:30 AM from 470 Bay Walk and offers a 5K distance suitable for both runners and walkers. Entry fees range from $5 to $45. Fire Island's location on the Atlantic coast means you'll want accommodations within easy reach of the start venue, particularly since access to the island requires ferry service from the mainland. Consider booking lodging in Ocean Beach or nearby communities early, as summer dates draw both race participants and seasonal vacationers. The early morning start time suits the peak summer heat, making it advisable to arrive with time to spare and stay hydrated before the race begins.
From the Race Organizer
What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk? The Tunnel to Towers 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.t2t.org . This will be the 4th year for Ocean Beach, NY and we are excited to once again bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs. How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk? This is a 5K (3.1 miles) to walk or run this event. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event. Where can I pick up my packet? Packet Pick up will be outside of SandBar in Ocean Beach on Saturday, July 25th from 12PM to 4PM. Same day packet pick up will begin on Sunday, July 26th at the Community House in Ocean Beach starting at 7:30 AM. There will be additional packet pick up on Long Island at the Harp & Hound in Islip, NY on Saturday, July 25th from 12PM-4PM. Do you have a map of the course? Yes, you can see the course here . Is there a ferry schedule? Yes, you can see the schedule here . Can I register the day of the run? Yes. Registration will be open until the start of the run. If you wait to register we may not have a shirt for you and we do not guarantee sizes for late registrants. When does online registration close? Registration will be open until the start of the run. Is there parking available? This race is in Ocean Beach, NY, in which there are no cars allowed. Parking is available at the Fire Island Ferries in Bay Shore, NY. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your ferry to ensure enough time for parking. You will have to pay for parking. If there is no parking at the ferry, there is the Maple Ave Dock Parking lot, which is directly south of the Ocean Beach ferry parking lot. There is also parking available at the Bay Shore Train Station (in which you would need to take a taxi/uber down to the ferries, or you can park behind Bay Shore Town as well). The ferry schedule is posted above. If you have any questions about the ferry, please contact us at FireIslandRun@t2t.org. Do I have to wear my bib number? Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. Those who run without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish. I am a fast runner. Can I get a front line position? We will have corral sections for runners, which will be the following: (Look for the signs when you walk up to the start line) 1) Under 7 min pace 2) 7:00-9:00min pace 3) 9:00-11:30min pace 4) 11:30-13min pace 5)13:00-16:00min pace 6)16:00min pace + and walkers Will there be awards for running? Yes, we keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders, most of our awards are based on firefighters, police or military running in gear in the same fashion that Stephen Siller did on 9/11. This event is intended to be an experience and much more than a run. We will be giving awards to top male and female runners, as well as awards to the top males/females in their age categories (Under 20, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69, 70 plus). Top finishers will be awarded based on their chip time. Will water be available? Yes, water stations will be available along the route and there will be water available at the start and finish line. What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc? Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted. The SandBar will have a bag check for all runners who need a place for their belongings, which will be watched by our security/staff. Please try to bring as little as possible to the race, as all items should be stored at the owner's risk. Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items. Will there be a celebration after the run at SandBar? Yes! There will be an after party at SandBar immediately following the race. All runners (21 and over) will get a bracelet to give them 3 free Nutrls (spiked seltzers). There will be a free bagel buffet, waters, coconut waters, and of course LIVE MUSIC by the one and only Jimmy and the Parrots. Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal? Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal. Can someone else pick up my packet for me? Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. And don't forget to thank them! 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 se
