25 Years Later, Honoring Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice.
UTICA, NY – August 11, 2026 – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 6th Annual Central New York Run/Walk will take place at the Utica 9/11 Memorial on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
In observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this year’s event will honor those who lost their lives that day, those who have since passed away from 9/11-related illnesses, and those currently battling 9/11-related illnesses. This year, organizers expect up to 2,500 racers to take part in the event; many coming together to remember a loved one they’ve lost or honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The opening ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Run/Walk starting at 9:11 a.m.
The event will also feature live music, food and refreshments, first responder, military and sponsor pop-up booths, as well as a ceremony featuring awards, flag bearers and a helicopter flyover.
Participants may register online at https://runwalkcentralny.t2t.
Two CNY heroes who died in the line of duty will be honored at this year’s event: Binghamton Fire Lieutenant Scott Pavlick and U.S. Army Sergeant and Endicott, NY Police Officer Sean Ahern.
Sgt. Ahern’s widow, Lindsay Ahern, whose mortgage was fulfilled by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Gold Star Family Program, will speak at the event and will be available for interviews.
Valerie and Jack Cicora, family members of New York State Police Sergeant/Station Commander Jeffery Cicora, will also be available for interviews at the event.
When:
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Sunday, August 16, 2026
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Opening ceremony 8:30 AM
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Race Start 9:11 AM
Where:
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Utica 9/11 Memorial
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Sherman Drive & Memorial Parkway
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Utica, NY 13501
Who:
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Lindsay Ahern, wife of U.S. Army Sergeant and Endicott, NY Police Officer Sean Ahern – Tunnel to Towers Gold Star Home Recipient
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Valerie and Jack Cicora wife and son of New York State Police Sergeant/Station Commander Jeffery Cicora – Tunnel to Towers Fallen First Responder Home Recipients
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Caitlin Hoosock — Wife of Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Hoosock; Tunnel to Towers Line of Duty Program recipient
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Phil Trzcinski – Central New York Run/Walk Volunteer Race Director
What:
The Tunnel to Towers National Run, Walk & Climb Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001, after strapping on 60 pounds of gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center.
The National Run, Walk & Climb Series now carries his legacy to communities across the country, with more than 100 events nationwide, including the CNY 5K Run & Walk.
Proceeds from this event help provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families, as well as Smart Homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Media Contacts:
Volunteer Event Director – Phil Trzcinski – centralny@t2t.org – 315-725-7526
Tunnel to Towers Foundation – Jack Cicora – jack.cicora@t2t.org – 315-857-
About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Children of the Foundation’s home recipients are offered full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade school programs, helping secure their futures. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.
