[runningINnyc]

<span style="font-family:Arial;">Yesterday was the 6th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run</span> <span style="font-family:Arial;">a route that commemorates the last footsteps of FDNY member Stephen Siller on 9/11/01. Stephen Siller, husband and father of five, was a firefighter from Squad 1, Park Slope Brooklyn. On 9/11, he was off-duty, and on his way to golf with his 3 older brothers. When Stephen heard on his scanner that the World Trade Center had been hit, he turned his vehicle around and headed towards the site. When his truck was prohibited from entering the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel he raced on foot towards the site with his gear strapped to his back. Stephen was last seen near WTC tower 2 and passed that day along with everyone else from his squad that was onsite.</span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g254/mpfeiffer/stephen.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"></span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;">I’ve read about this race for years but didn’t experience it firsthand until last year. It is one of those running events where I have no time goal, no racing strategy, no watch, no being ticked off at walkers in the front, no worries about the weather, none of that. I run it for the experience which is PHENOMENAL. The event is well organized and huge – read: there were over 20,000 people running or walking it this year. Participants include a tremendous number of fire fighters from all over the country, England, France, Canada and elsewhere. There’s also a massive police contingent and large military participation. Talk about feeling safe & secure.</span> <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;">The race route follows the steps of Stephen, starting in Brooklyn just outside the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel, through the tunnel and ending in lower Manhattan just adjacent to the WTC site. My absolute favorite part of the race is when you’re about 75% through the tunnel and you start to see the firemen. They are lined up along one side of the tunnel, bearing US Flags and wearing large banners that show each one of the 343 brothers lost in the 9/11 attacks. It’s during this part of the race that I slowed my paced, high-fived each one of the guys that I could and took special note to remember some of the names on those banners. It is a tragedy over and over seeing those lives lost to protect us all – seeing how young and old they were, seeing their pictures. It is simply amazing. My older brother is a firefighter in St. Louis, he’s also a husband, father of two, son to my parents and sibling to 6 – I cannot imagine my life without him. And here are 343 guys just like him. Phenomenal.</span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g254/mpfeiffer/MemorialBanners.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"></span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;">As the route continues out of the tunnel you hit a large uphill …but dread it not as you hear the most incredible sounds. The FDNY Emerald Society bagpipe band is right there greeting you and welcoming you to the Manhattan side of the route.</span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g254/mpfeiffer/Band.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"></span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;">Continuing along north up West Street, the course cuts over alongside the Hudson for a bit running past the World Financial Center and through Battery Park City. Upon reaching the final turn I spied the finish line and heard the roar of firefighters and fire engines just adjacent to the finish. What a sight! I have no idea what my finish time was nor did I care. I soaked in the pride of everyone there – pride for what they do, pride for what they are, pride in honoring Stephen Siller and pride for a city that continues to thrive and grow.</span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;">I won’t miss this race again and I urge each one of you to experience it for yourself.</span><br><br><span style="font-family:Arial;">They will never be forgotten!</span>

 

[Timr1]

Wow, that's amazing. Sounds like a must see/participate kind of race. Thanks for sharing.

 

[theia]

I have tears in my eyes yet again reading about it. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Beaker]

2nd year in a row you ran it, 2nd year in a row I cried reading you RR! It is on my list for next year for sure!!!!

 

[Voodoojunkie]

I would have a difficult time holding it together running that race. That must be an extremely powerful and moving experience. Big ups to ya, chica!

 

[solarpowered]

Wow, Maria. Thanks for sharing that! What a great race!!!

 

[phillytom]

I got goosebumps just read this Maria. Wow.

 

[sauconRunner]

I'm all teary just reading your report. I can't imagine how much crying I'd do if I was there. What a phenomenal experience it must be. I totally want to run it next year (as long as there is <span style="text-decoration:underline;">no</span> steakhouse visit the night before!)<br><br>
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Frankie71]

Very cool <b>Maria!</b> Count me as one of those who got choked up reading your report. It was hard enough for me to see the Manhattan skyline without the towers when I was back there 2 years ago, I couldnt imagine running that race. Someday though ill make the trek back there and partake in it!

 

[aphigirl01]

Dude!<br><br>
Great job, Maria!

 

[Kriddie]

<b>Maria</b> I remember reading your report last year about this race. I can only imagine what an emotional experience it must be. Great job.

 

[govandals]

Saw a story about Siller recently, and about the run in his honor.<br><br>
Thought about last year's RR when I saw it.<br><br>
Thanks for posting this. As you all know, my big brother is a cop, and I truly believe police and fire personnel are absolute heroes. The stories of their mistakes and missteps make headlines. But, the <i>daily act</i> of rushing toward danger when the rest of us flee, goes largely unnoticed and unheralded.<br>
I sincerely hope to run this race very soon.<br>
Thanks again.

 

[bard73]

Maria, your report and the photos are very moving.

 

[startingover]

Great report Maria, thanks for sharing. As always you inspire me.

 

[PacerChris]

Very cool...it's a shame a race like this has a reason for existing, but it does help us appreciate the sacrifices some people make for the greater good.

 

[altoids]

That must have been an incredible experience! Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[hally]

Beautifully moving RR. I would like to try it but also don't no if I could manage to run through the tears. I am going to keep an eye out for it next year as well.<br><br>
Barb

 

[mmoonptdeux]

This is one of those races you run for the experience, and the only time that's really relevant is the fact that people are taking the time to remember the sacrifices that these brave people made that day.<br><br>
Thanks for sharing your experience and the pics, <b>Maria</b>

 

[McTortle]

Maria - thank you. Thank you for running it. Thank you for telling us about it. Thank you.

 

[keriksen]

Sounds like this was a truly moving experience -- one of those events that really puts the rest of life into perspective. Thank you for doing this race <b>Maria</b>, and thanks for sharing the experience with us.