The annual Tunnel to Towers 5k run/walk will take place here in Lynchburg on Saturday, September 12, beginning at 7:30 am. Those participating should pick up their race packets on Friday, September 11, between 5:00-7:00 pm at the Gazebo on the square.

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a third attack that failed when passengers took that aircraft down in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was inspired by a New York City fireman, Stephen Siller, who was with the Brooklyn Squad 1.

Siller, 34, had just finished his shift and was heading out to play golf with his brothers when the towers were attacked. Hearing the news, he sent word to his brothers, through his wife, that he would catch up to them later, and turned his truck around to go help. As he approached the Brooklyn Battery Bridge, he found it closed. So, he donned his 60 pounds of gear and ran through the tunnel to the towers. Siller was one of 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day.

The foundation was formed shortly after the attacks, and held the first Tunnel to Towers run in 2002. The foundation became a 501© (3) non-profit organization in 2003. The annual 5K run/walk raises funds for mortgage free Smart Homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They also provide mortgage free homes to Gold Star families and to Fallen First Responders families. The foundation has committed to providing 343 homes this year, in honor of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.

To date, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided over 1,700 free homes through their programs, as well as providing housing assistance and supportive services for over 20,000 homeless veterans. Participation in the annual race and private donations support these worthwhile and important services.

In addition to the proceeds raised from the race, Lynchburg Gifts and More is selling wooden bottle tags/ornaments, and will be donating 100% of the proceeds to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Whether as a participant or a cheerleader, the community is encouraged to join in on the event to honor and thank all of our first responders for their dedication and service.