Tunnel to Towers Climb - Capital Region, NY

What is a Tunnel To Towers Climb?
The Tunnel to Towers 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 his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit t2t.org.

How many floors in the Corning Tower?
You will be climbing up to the 42nd Floor (Observation Deck)– 2 flights per floor.

How many steps are there per flight?
The number of steps varies per flight. There are a total of 809 steps!

Do I have to climb all the way to the 42nd Floor in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?
No, there will be bailout floors throughout the climb. 

How many bailout floors are there?
There will be opportunities to end your climb on floors 10, 20 and 31.  Water stations will also be available on all floors.

Will there be Medical assistance if necessary?
There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency. 

Will hallways be included in the climb distance?
Yes, there are 2 hallways included on floor 17 and 32 – where the stairway will switch from turning right to left and back to right. 

What direction does the stairwell wind (to the left or to the right)?
The stairwell winds to the right. They will switch which way they wind at floors 17, they will turn left and 32 they will turn right. The width of the stairs is the same throughout the climb. 

Is there a limit on how many people can register?
We are limiting the event to 500 participants – the earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to take part in this unique event and get your size t-shirt!

How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?
This depends on how many floors you climb, your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Elite Climbers may finish the 42-story climb in less than 10 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-40 minutes to finish.

Is this a timed climb?
Yes, you will be given a chip from the timing company. You will also be given a bib. Please make sure your bib number is visible on the front of you.

Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?
Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way. Slower climbers should move to the right, allowing faster climbers to pass on the left.

I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?
No problem, just find a volunteer or staff member who can escort you to the nearest rest area and direct you to an elevator. 

I’m a first responder; can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, scott packs, etc.?
Yes, you may wear turnout gear.  In fact, we encourage it!

What is an "Elite Climber”?
An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers. The average participant will climb at a moderate pace and consider a 42-story climb to be no more strenuous than their typical gym workout.

Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, only registered climbers may enter the stairs with cell phones. 

When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and t-shirt)?
Our packet pick up will be on the day of the climb. Sept 20th, 2026

What time should I arrive at Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Concourse, Albany, NY?
The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 8:00am (about ½ hr). Elite Climbers will begin 8:30-8:45 AM. All participants must have their bibs in order to participate in the event. All participants and supporters must enter into the building through the underground concourse. There will be no access at the plaza level for security reasons.  

How do I get to the Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Concourse in Albany, NY?
The address to use for your GPS is: 5 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY. Participants should enter into the building through the underground concourse. You can enter the concourse through the doors under the tunnel across the road from the NYS Museum.

Is parking available?
Free parking is available at the East Garage located at the corners of Madison Avenue, Eagle Street and Philip Street. In addition the New York State Museum across the street offers free parking on the weekends.

Is a bag check area provided?
Due to strict security regulations, we ask that you please DO NOT bring any bags, backpacks, purses and/or valuables with you to the event. There will be no bag check so please plan accordingly. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.

Are electronics, cameras allowed at the T2T Tower Climb?
Yes. Cameras and Video are allowed. The foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables. Cameras, Go-Pros and Video are allowed in the stairs.

Will there be water stations along the climb?
Yes. There will be water stations on every floor, including at the start and finish lines.

Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line on the 42nd Floor?
Yes in the designated area but the area is not that big, so be mindful of that. For safety & security reasons we must keep the finish line area clear. The climb is a strenuous workout and we must give participants room to catch their breath.

Will I receive an event t-shirt?
Yes. All participants in The T2T Tower Climb will receive an event T-shirt and a finisher's medal who register in advance. We do not guarantee t-shirts for late registrations. T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up locations. Please make sure that even if you do not climb all 42 floors, you go to the observation deck to receive your medal and turn in your shoe chip.

PLEASE REGISTER BY MID-AUGUST TO RECEIVE A T-SHIRT IN YOUR SIZE

What is the entry fee for the T2T Tower Climb?
The entry fee for non- first responders is $45, first responders and military $40, kids 11-17 $20, kids under 10 $0 (must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian). There are discounts for signing up earlier.

Is there a fundraising minimum?
New this year, we are removing the fundraising minimum for this event. We hope that you will continue to raise funds like always for the Foundation's Line of Duty programs.

Where do the funds raised go?
The goal of this event is to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s various programs including our Smart Home, Fallen First Responder and Gold Star Home and Homeless Veteran programs. To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and our programs, please visit t2t.org. 

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants in the T2T Tower Climb must be at least 10 years old on event day. Any exceptions can be discussed on a case to case basis.

Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?
No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb, and includes a participant t-shirt. This is why fundraising is so important! All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 

If I am no longer able to make it to the T2T Tower Climb after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else climb in my place?
No, participation is non-transferrable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution. We appreciate your understanding. 

How do I form a team?
You can form a team while you register online by selecting the option to "Create a Team" - you will become the Team Captain and will be asked to enter the Team Name. Those who wish to join your team can then register by selecting the option to "Join a Team." 

Is there a limit on team size?
No, but there is a minimum only for teams that will be vying for Fastest Firehouse, Fastest Law Enforcement Team, Fastest Military Branch etc. In these categories, there must be at least two teams challenging each other and each team must have at minimum 4 members. We will take the 4 fastest times. All team members must be registered on or before Sept 7th. Please make sure that everyone uses the same team name when registering to avoid confusion. If a team member drops out on day of event and you are under the 4 member minimum you will not be eligible for the award. There will be no substituting of team members.

How do I join a team?
To join an existing team, select the "Join a Team" option, and select the Team name from the drop-down menu. Once you find the team you wish to join, select it, click “Next Step”, and proceed with registration. 

I am a Team Captain - can I enroll all members of my team at one time?
Unfortunately, group registration is not an option at this time. We ask that you register multiple participants as separate transactions. We appreciate the effort that goes into registering teams, and thank you for your patience! 

Can I pay for my whole team by company check?
Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member's registration fee. 

How do we register our company team if paying by check?
We will provide the Team Captain with a code that he or she will need to provide to each team member, who will then enter it when registering online. No credit card information will be required. Please note that codes cannot be issued until payment is received, so you will need to confirm the number of team members in advance. We appreciate the extra effort and planning this requires. Please contact capitalregion@t2t.org if you plan to pay by company check.

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?
Please mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
ATTN: Alyssa Fusillo
2361 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I still fundraise beyond the date of the climb?
YES! The amount raised for incentive prizes will be determined at 6 weeks post event, but we encourage everyone to raise additional funds through December. 

Fundraising trophies will be given to the individual/team that raises the most money by 11:59pm the day before the event.

Tower Climb Contact Info
If you have any questions about this Tower Climb, please email CapitalRegion@t2t.org