The Tunnel to Towers Climb kicks off at 8:00 AM on September 12, 2026, so plan your travel and hotel accordingly if you're flying in the night before. This Chicago running event takes place at 150 North Riverside Plaza and features a 5K distance. Entry fees range from $10 to $55 depending on registration tier. The early morning start means you'll want accommodation close enough to arrive with time for a warm-up and to settle your pre-race nerves. Whether you're based downtown or elsewhere in the Chicago area, factor in travel time and parking logistics when booking your stay.
From the Race Organizer
Climbing Details How long is the T2T Tower Climb at 150 N. Riverside Drive? You will be starting at the park next to the building at ground level and climbing up to the 50th floor How many steps are there per flight? The number of steps varies per flight. Can I climb more than one time up? Yes, after your first climb, please take the elevator down to the first level. Once every wave has been sent off, there may be an opportunity to have a second, untimed climb. Will there be medical assistance if necessary? There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency. They will be staged at the base of the building next to the elevators so they can respond quickly to an emergency on any floor. What direction does the stairwell wind? The stairwell winds to the right. Is there a limit on how many people can register? As of now, the operational capacity of this event is 500 participants. 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 the torso. Check back the day before the event for information on wave assignments and 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 uniform, etc.? Yes, you may wear your uniform with gear. In fact, we encourage it! Can I bring my cell phone? Yes, you may bring your cell phone. Packet Pick-up: TBD When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and t-shirt)? Registration packet pickup will be on a date and location in the week leading up to the event. Please check back later for updates On Saturday, September 12th (day of event), you can pick up your bib and t-shirt starting at 6:45 am in the park adjacent to the building. All climbers MUST have a bib in order to participate. Non-bibbed spectators are welcome to attend the ceremonies in the park Event Day Information What time should I arrive at 150 North Riverside Plaza? We will be open at 6:45am 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: First Wave with each wave to be staggered after. Please check back closer to the event day for more information. 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 fundraising team in order to be assigned the same start time. Please make sure to indicate what team you are climbing with when you register. Declaring for a fundraising team is the second to last page of registration 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: 150 North Riverside Drive, Chicago IL 60606 Is parking available? Participants are strongly encouraged to use modes of public transportation as parking is very limited. The building is centrally located next to the river and has plenty of public transportation options. Limited parking may be available at the building site for a parking fee. Will there be water stations along the climb? Yes. There will be a water station at the start area and one at the finish. At this time, there are no water stops planned for inside the stairwell Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line on the 50th 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 locations. Is a bag check area provided? Due to strict security regulations, we are unable to check bags larger than a ziplock bag. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables. Registration & Minimum Fundraising Details When is the best time to register? The best time to register is always RIGHT NOW. The current price is always the lowest price, and there will be price increases Is there a fundraising minimum? NO! Our goal is simply to honor and celebrate our first responders and military heroes. There are no fundraising minimums, however, we do encourage everyone to fundraise in support of the various programs the Foundation operates. What does the Foundation do with the money raised? Pro
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Tunnel to Towers Climb – Chicago, IL 2026 — Chicago, IL
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Chicago, IL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Tunnel to Towers Climb – Chicago, IL 2026 — Chicago, IL?
Tunnel to Towers Climb – Chicago, IL 2026 — Chicago, IL takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Chicago, Illinois.
Where is Tunnel to Towers Climb – Chicago, IL 2026 — Chicago, IL held?
Tunnel to Towers Climb – Chicago, IL 2026 — Chicago, IL is held at 150 North Riverside Plaza in Chicago, Illinois.
Where can I find hotels near Tunnel to Towers Climb – Chicago, IL 2026 — Chicago, IL?
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