Twin Cities 5K To Honor Fallen Firefighter, First Responders

APPLE VALLEY, MN — The inaugural Tunnel To Towers 5K is coming to the Twin Cities this weekend. The event was created to honor Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who died responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and recognize the sacrifices of first responders and military heroes.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Twin Cities is planned for 9 a.m. June 29 at Apple Valley High School, 14450 Hayes Rd. Registration is $30 per person and $20 for military and first responders. Proceeds from the run benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that builds mortgage-free smart homes for catastrophically injured military service members; supports families of fallen law enforcement, firefighters and emergency workers; and provides mortgage-free homes to surviving spouses of fallen military members with children.

The first Tunnel To Towers 5K was held in New York City in 2002. The event symbolizes Siller’s final footsteps from the foot of the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, and pays homage to the 343 FDNY firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on 9/11

The Twin Cities 5K is being organized by Burnsville resident Kate Backstrom, Sun Thisweek reported. The event will include a brief ceremony followed by the run, which usually includes participation from firefighters in full gear. Awards will also be given to runners.

Participants can register online for the race until noon June 28. Same-day registrations will be accepted starting at 7 a.m. June 29. For more information, email twincities@tunnel2towers.org or visit tunnel2towers.org and www.facebook.com/T2TTwinCities.