The first Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5k run was held in New York City the year following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and was done to honor Stephen Siller, a firefighter who was one of many who lost their lives that day as part of the rescue effort.
More than two decades later and the foundation has grown to have people volunteering to host similar 5ks throughout the country, including one as part of the Tunnel to Towers St. Augustine chapter.
According to event director Patty Trousdell, the event started in downtown Jacksonville but five years ago moved the site of the run to World Golf Village.
Trousdell is happy to help with the event and knew she wanted to volunteer her time any way she could when she first got started with the organization.
“I’m a Navy brat, so anything that has to do with helping the military or those who served and sacrificed has a special place in my heart,” Trousdell said. “When I was first asked if I wanted to get involved, I couldn’t help but say yes.”
The event has had its share of adversity since making the move to World Golf Village, but now it is really starting to develop its place and tradition within the community.
“We’ve had a hurricane and COVID two of the years that we’ve been here, but now we’re really starting to build this thing.”
One look at the schedule of events and approach to the event and it is not hard to tell that the reason for holding such an event has never been lost over the years.
“To us, it’s all about 9/11 and remembering those who lost loved ones, then it is about the run,” Trousdell said. “We lost more than 3,000 lives that day, and it’s important we keep their memory alive.”
The race even starts precisely at 8:46 a.m., which is significant because it is the time that the first tower was struck.
More than 300 people participated in last year’s event, which Trousdell stated was the biggest turnout it has had so far.
The route used is the designated 5k course on the World Golf Village grounds.
“There’s tons of parking, and it’s a really nice run,” Trousdell said. “Most people are there to show their support and reflect on it. We can’t forget these events that took place.”
Trousdell was able to take part in the New York City event last year and she encourages everyone to consider making the trip north to attend.
Siller had been assigned to Brooklyn Squad 1 and he had just finished a shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he received word about the attacks over his scanner, so he called his wife to tell her that he was going back to the station to get his gear and go help.
He drove his truck to the entrance of the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed as part of the safety protocol, but he was determined to help so he strapped his 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel.
According to Trousdell, the New York City 5k allows participants to go along the actual path Siller took in the tunnel on that fateful day.
“You can run in the footsteps he took on that day,” Trousdell said.
Registration for the St. Augustine 5k and walk can be found by going to runsignup.com and typing in St. Augustine in the search box.
Awards will be handed out after the event for several categories, including “fastest firefighter in gear.”
