“He’s the push for us:” Tunnel to Towers 5k returns, celebrates 5th anniversary

LEWES, Del.- “When we left that day, I told a coworker that before the day was over, we’re going to know someone who’s life was lost. Little did I know one would be my son,” Carol Whitford said.

Mark Whitford was a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on 9/11. Saturday, the Whitford family and runners from across Delmarva laced up their sneakers to dash for a good cause as the annual Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 5k Run & Walk Series made its return at Fort Miles-Cape Henlopen State Park. “It’s very meaningful for me and my family his memory and all those that were lost that in our thoughts and prayers,” Christopher Whitford said.

The course distance is actually longer than your average 5k, sitting at 3.43 miles as a tribute to those fallen first responders.

The event started as a way to honor the legacy of NYC Fighter Stephen Siller and over time became a celebration to remember all lives lost on that day back in 2001 and rally around first responders making a difference daily. “The payoff is the dividends to be able to help our military service members, our law enforcement partners, and anyone else who serves our community and those in need,” Event Coordinator Brian Brubaker said.

Now celebrating its 5th anniversary, Brubaker said the support from the community continues to grow. “We actually broke some numbers as far as attendees go. The message is getting out there. We haven’t been able to reach everyone unfortunately, but we are reaching more and more people,” he said.

Not only has the Whitford family created a memorial site at their home, but they’ve also established a scholarship fund in Mark’s name to keep his loving spirit and passion for service alive. “Mark knows and I believe he’s the push for us to continue doing what we’re doing,” Roger Whitford said.

Tashica Hilliard, widow of Corporal Glenn Hilliard with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, was also present. She told 47ABC that the Tunnel to Tower’s Foundation has actually taken over the mortgage of their home and offered other support services.

Tunnel to Towers continues their fundraising efforts and accepting donations. To find out about of T2T events, click here

To find out more about the Mark P. Whitford Scholarship Fund click here