Tunnel To Towers 5K 2017: Route, Street Closures, Start Time And More

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN — The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation this Sunday will hold its annual 5K, a race that takes runners and walkers from Red Hook, through the Hugh L. Carey tunnel and into lower Manhattan.

The race closely traces the path of firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the tunnel to the World Trade Center towers on 9/11 and died saving lives.

The area on both sides of the race will be congested that day as runners and walkers take off down the course. Here's everything you need to know, whether you want to participate in the race or just avoid the traffic.

(For more Red Hook news, subscribe to Patch to get a daily newsletter and breaking news alerts. Or find your NYC neighborhood here.)

What is the path of the race?

Runners and walkers start at the Brooklyn portal of the tunnel, travel underground underground and emerge in Lower Manhattan. The race finishes up at Murray and West streets.

The race is actually about 3.5 miles long, a bit longer than a standard 5K.

When is the race?

The race starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning, according to the Eventbrite page. It finishes up around 2 p.m.

What will be closed?

According to the MTA, one tube of the tunnel will close starting at 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, the night before the race. That tube will carry traffic in both directions until 8 a.m., when both tubes will be closed. They will reopen at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

How much is registration?

Early registration is over, but anyone who still wants to participate can do so online for $80 for adults. Kids 14 and under can race for free. If you want to race with a chip, it's $90, and you'll have to register at a registration site, not online, before the day of the race.

How do I register the day of?

You can register at the IKEA parking lot in Brooklyn. But again, chips won't be given out the day of the race.

Some more information courtesy of The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation:

Is there transportation to and from the event?

Yes. New York Water Taxi service begins at 6:00 am. Water taxis leave from Pier 11/Wall Street terminal. The last vessel leaves for Brooklyn at 7:45 am. You must be on line by 7:30 am to get to the start line on time. If you’re returning to Brooklyn after the race and festivities, wearing your bib assures free transportation from Pier 11.

Is there parking available?

Yes, parking is available by South Street Seaport in Manhattan. There’s no parking available in the IKEA lots on the Brooklyn side; only limited street parking.

Will water be available?

Yes, water stations will be located at the start, finish and at a station at the end of the tunnel on the Manhattan side. Participants may NOT carry water bottles in the tunnel. We ask that you please DO NOT bring water bottles in the tunnel. With every participant’s safety in mind, we look forward to an enjoyable and successful event.

What can you bring to the event?

One (1) clear plastic bag will be supplied by UPS to put your belongings in. Please do not bring valuables. Have someone hold them for you. T2T is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.

May I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, bags, water bottles, Scott Air-Paks (FDNY oxygen tanks), child-carrier backpacks, and/or and weight vests?

No. The run is restricted to foot traffic only, per the City of New York, for reasons of safety and security. For your safety and security the MTA and NYPD prohibits any backpacks, strollers and bicycles in the tunnel and on any mode of transportation provided by Tunnel to Towers. Important restriction for firefighters: ABSOLUTELY NO SCOTT AIR-PAKS!

Image courtesy Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation