On October 3, 2026, the Tunnel to Towers Climb takes place in Tampa, Florida at 201 N. Franklin Street. This 5K running event starts at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $5 to $50 depending on registration options. The race benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders and military families. If you're traveling to Tampa for this event, you'll want accommodation near downtown, where the race venue is located. The flat terrain typical of Tampa makes this an accessible 5K option for runners of varying abilities. Book your hotel early, as downtown Tampa hotels near Franklin Street will fill quickly during race weekend.
From the Race Organizer
How long is the T2T Tower Climb at Tampa City Center? Participants will climb to the 41st floor, finishing on the rooftop. The climb includes 861 steps. Official timing ends on the 39th floor, but there are two additional flights to reach the roof. How many steps are there per flight? The number of steps varies by flight. Do I have to climb all the way to the 39th floor or the roof to participate? No. There will be several bailout floors throughout the climb. Climbing to the roof after completing the official climb on the 39th floor is optional, but we highly recommend it so you can enjoy the view and celebrate your achievement. How many bailout floors are there? There will be at least three bailout floors. Exact levels will be announced during the opening ceremony. Water stations will also be located on these floors. Please do not leave water bottles in the stairwell, as they may create tripping hazards. Can I climb more than once? Yes. After completing your first climb, take the elevator back to the first floor and rejoin the line. If you want your first time to count, remove your bib before crossing the start line again. Otherwise, your time will reset. Will medical assistance be available? Yes. Medics will be on site throughout the event. Are hallways included in the climb distance? Yes. Participants will pass through one hallway on the 39th floor to transition from Stairwell 1 to Stairwell 2. There are no other transitions. What direction does the stairwell wind? The stairwell winds to the right. Is there a limit on how many people can register? No. The more the merrier! How long does the climb take? Times vary based on fitness level and pace. Elite climbers: about 4-8 minutes Average participants: about 15–30 minutes All climbers must return to the first floor using the elevator or alternate stairwell (not the main stairway). Is the climb timed? Yes. Timing chips will be attached to the back of your bib. Wear your bib clearly on the front of your torso for accurate timing. Results will be posted live on trcrace.com . Can I stop to rest? Yes, but please stay to the left so faster climbers can pass on the right. What if I cannot finish the climb? Notify a volunteer or staff member. You will be directed to a rest area and the nearest elevator. Can first responders or military wear gear? Yes. First responders and military are encouraged to wear uniforms and gear. What is an Elite Climber? An Elite Climber is an experienced stair climber who regularly participates in stair climb events and can complete the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are not considered Elite. Packet Pick-Up – Friday, October 2 Packet pickup (bib and t-shirt) will be held: Friday, October 2 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Esplanade – 201 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL On event day (Saturday), packets may be picked up starting at 7:00 AM . All climbers must have a bib to participate. Spectators without bibs are welcome. Can I pick up climb packets for my entire team? Yes. We are happy to distribute packets for an entire team to one person. If you are picking up packets for more than five climbers, please email tampa@t2t.org in advance so we can prepare ahead of time and help keep the packet pickup line moving smoothly. Event Day Information What time should I arrive? Please arrive by 8:00 AM for the opening ceremony. Schedule 7:00 AM — Registration & packet pickup 8:00 AM — Opening Ceremony 8:30 AM — Elite climbers and First Responders / Military begin General public climbs after Will I receive a start time? No. We do not assign wave times. Climbers start in this order: Elite climbers First responders / military in gear General participants Can I climb with my team or family? Yes. You may line up together at the start. Can I wear bunker gear / uniform / rucksack? First responders / military — Yes Ruck climbers — Yes Race-Day Information Event address 201 N. Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602 Parking Fort Brooke Garage 107 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL Bag check No bag check will be provided. The Foundation is not responsible for personal items. Can I bring my phone? Yes, but please do not block the stairwell. Will there be water stations? Yes. Three water stations will be available. Can friends and family wait at the finish? After finishing, climbers may go to the rooftop to celebrate, cool off, and take photos. Space on the rooftop is limited and we are expecting over 500 climbers, so please limit your time to 5–10 minutes to allow space for others. Will I receive a t-shirt and medal? Yes. All participants receive: Event t-shirt (at packet pickup) Finisher medal (after the climb) Awards Awards will be given in the following categories: Top Fundraising Team Siller Cup (Largest Firefighter Team) Hero Cup (Largest Police Officer Team) Fastest Male Overall Fastest Female Overall Fastest Firefighter Fastest Police Officer Fastest Military Service Member Fastest EMT There may be a few surprises too! Age Categories Female / Male 10 & Under Female
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Tampa, FL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Tampa, FL.
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 – Tampa, FL 2026 — Tampa, FL?
Tunnel to Towers Climb – Tampa, FL 2026 — Tampa, FL takes place on October 3, 2026. The race is held in Tampa, Florida.
Where is Tunnel to Towers Climb – Tampa, FL 2026 — Tampa, FL held?
Tunnel to Towers Climb – Tampa, FL 2026 — Tampa, FL is held at 201 N. Franklin Street in Tampa, Florida.
Where can I find hotels near Tunnel to Towers Climb – Tampa, FL 2026 — Tampa, FL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Tampa. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
