Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk returning to Lewes

LEWES, Del.– The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit established in 2001 in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller who lost his life helping others on 9/11.

After the call was made on 9/11 Siller drove to the mouth of the Brooklyn Battery tunnel, and then proceeded to strap on 65 pounds worth of gear onto his back and ran three miles through the tunnel to the Twin Towers where he ultimately lost his life.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation event director Brian Brubaker shared more on what the organization is all about.

“The whole purpose of our foundation is to remember those who have served and that we’ve lost in the line of duty,” Brubaker said. “And then also those in the future who will step up and serve our communities.”

One way to keep fallen heroe’s memories alive is through the annual Tunnel to Towers 5k Run & Walk, taking place at Cape Henlopen State Park.

“It’s a very family friendly event, there’s a lot of camaraderie,” Brubaker said. At 8:00 am we do our opening ceremony where we honor our fallen and also our participants.”

But the event doesn’t just stop at the race– Tunnels to Towers works to provide mortgage-free homes, scholarships for students, and provide financial relief to widows of fallen servicemen.

“It’s very humbling, I actually had the honor of presenting, the widow of Corporal Steven Ballard, her mortgage pay off check.” Brubaker said. “To see the community come out and support and to be able to hand someone a peace of mind is a special kind of feeling.”