Columbia, S.C. - (September 15, 2014) Columbia Regional Sports Council is proud to assist the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in organizing the Tunnel To Towers 5K Run & Walk South Carolina in the Congaree Vista on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
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More than 1,000 participants and approximately 1,500 military, including Medal of Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter, are already registered. The Friday evening 5K is the only Tunnel to Towers (T2T) race in South Carolina. Runners will follow a route through the Congaree Vista, Cayce and West Columbia followed by an After Party and exclusive concert by four-time Grammy nominee, Hunter Hayes at the Tin Roof and Music Farm.
Previous participant Randy Arant of the Irmo Fire Department described the T2T experience as a humbling glimpse into the bond and motivation behind firefighters, police and military members. "I found myself several times throughout the race last year wanting to emotionally break down and start crying," Arant said. "It was because of all the people that appreciated what we do."
The T2T foundation was created to honor Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center and was killed along with 343 other firefighters on Sept. 11, 2001. It supports the nation's first responders and service members through Building for America's Bravest, a program that constructs specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured service members.
"It's amazing that even after thirteen years we can all come together and honor Stephen Siller and all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to make sure that we are able to hold and keep our freedom," Arant said. "I challenge everyone to attend the Tunnel to Towers 5K at least once in your lifetime so you can see what it is all about."
The race will take place 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will require several road closures.
- 5 p.m. Street closures begin: 1100-900 Lincoln St. & 900 Senate St.
The start line will be at Greene & Lincoln Streets. Race begins at 7 p.m.
The finish line will be at Senate & Lincoln Streets. - 5:30 p.m. 800 Block of Senate Street will be closed.
- 6:50 p.m. The entire race route will be closed. Participants will run from Lincoln & Greene Street to Blossom Street. From Blossom Street to State Street. From State Street to Gervais Street. From Gervais Street to Lincoln Street. Finish at Lincoln & Senate Streets. Roads will be opened as runners finish each leg of the race. (Please note, race route crosses Huger Street at Blossom and at Gervais. Expect traffic delays during this time.)
- 7:30 p.m. Gates will open for the After Party at Tin Roof and Music Farm.
- 9 p.m. Hunter Hayes concert begins.
- 10:30 p.m. After Party ends.
Participants may register online until Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. for a $25 entry fee. Reduced prices for children and active and/or retired first responders are available. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to form fundraising teams.
Runners can also register on the day of the race at the turnaround of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Those who register the day of the race must use a credit card to pay an increased entry fee of $30 and will receive no timing chips.
For more information, contact Scott Powers, executive director of the Columbia Regional Sports Council or visit T2T's website.
About Columbia Regional Sports Council
The mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling Columbia, S.C. as a premier destination for sporting events, partnering with local sports organizations to grow and develop existing events, and by recruiting new events that provide an economic benefit to the region by generating room nights, food and beverage sales, and associated tax revenues. For more information, visit columbiasportscouncil.com.