Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk to honor first responders and military personnel on 25th anniversary of 9/11
As communities across the nation commemorate the 25th anniversary this year of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Southwest Florida will unite in remembrance during the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in September. The event honors the sacrifice of first responders and military heroes while supporting the families and survivors they leave behind.
The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. The event benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Locally, the Run & Walk is chaired by Taylor Carpet One’s Lauren Taylor.
The Tunnel to Towers run and walk was founded in honor of the late Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his life while fighting to save others in the World Trade Center tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. The event symbolizes Siller’s run through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on 9/11, which had been closed for security purposes immediately after the attack. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he lost his life while saving others.
“Bringing the community together each year to recognize the heroes who gave everything for our safety and freedom is something we’re proud to do,” said Taylor. “Doing so on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy is an honor.”
Registration for the run and walk is divided into four categories:
Adult Registration (ages 18+)
o $40 – Price increases to $45 after Aug. 11
First Responders & Military Registration (ages 18+)
o $30 – Price increases to $35 after Aug. 11
Youth Registration (ages 13-17)
o $20 – Price increases to $25 after Aug. 11
Child Registration (ages 12 and under)
o $15 – Price increases to $20 after Aug. 11
The 2025 event in Southwest Florida event raised $50,000. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Taylor has set a goal of raising $25,000 more for a total of $75,000 this year. To register for the event or make a secure online donation, visit RunSignup.com/Race/Info/FL/FortMyers/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkFortMyersFL.
This year, in addition to its nationwide runs and walks and in recognition of the 25th anniversary, the foundation is transporting a traveling exhibit, Steel Across America, to communities across the United States. Started in May and finishing on 9/11, an authentic steel beam from the World Trade Center is visiting landmark locations, sporting events and town squares, creating moments of connection for those who lived through 9/11 and educational opportunities for those too young to remember. This journey represents more than remembrance – it’s a bridge between generations and a reminder that the spirit of service embodied by Siller, and so many others, continues to inspire Americans today.
For more information on where Steel Across America will be traveling, visit T2T.org/Steel-Across-America-Connecting-a-Nation.
Taylor Carpet One also supports the foundation’s Smart Home Program, which builds mortgage-free smart homes for the most gravely injured veterans and first responders. For program eligibility requirements, visit T2T.org/Smart-Home-Program/About-SHP.
About Taylor Carpet One
Taylor Carpet One is a third-generation family-owned and operated flooring store serving Southwest Florida since 1957. With three convenient locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Bonita Springs, they take pride in meeting the diverse flooring needs of the community. Taylor Carpet One offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality flooring options, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and ceramic. Their extensive in-stock inventory is the largest in the Southwest Florida area, ensuring you can find the perfect flooring solution without delay. Experience the difference that local, family-owned service can make. Taylor Carpet One has a floor for everyone. For additional information, please visit taylorcarpetone.com.
