What you'll see: The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel itself is, simply, a tunnel that's close to Wall Street the World Trade Center site, and the World Financial Center.But it was the site of huge drama and tragedy on September 11th 2001, as first responders raced through it to arrive at the World Trade Center towers.
If you visit during the annual Tunnel to Towers Run, however, you will see thousands of people running in a memorial fundraiser, including many policemen, firefighters and members of the military. (This is one of the few big annualSeptember 11 memorial events in Brooklyn, and so we've included it in this list.)
How to get there: The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel connects lower Manhattan on the west side to Brooklyn. On the Brooklyn side it is near to many Brooklyn neighborhoods: Red Hook, Columbia Terrace, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill.
Battery Tunnel Siller Tunnel to Towers Run
Since 2002, the Tunnel to Towers Run was begun in 2002 by family members of off-duty Staten Island firefighter Stephen Siller, last seen running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with sixty pounds of gear strapped to his back en route to the World Trade Center after the attacks.Now an annual event, the Tunnel to Towers Run honors the 343 firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. Originally intended as a way for New Yorkers to honor the fallen heroes, it “has now become a yearly tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day and transcends the tragedy,” according to a press release issued by the Foundation.
2009, 2010 Runs
In 2009, more than 20,000 people took part in the NY event.According to press reports, the event has raised more than $500,000 since 2008. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the foundation, in coordination with USA Cares and Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. invited communities nationwide to organize similar runs with the goal of one run in 343 different cities across the nation on September 11, 2011. For information
"This event began as a way to honor Stephen and his firefighter brothers," said Frank Siller, one of Stephen's siblings and the chairman of the Foundation. "Over the years, through an influx of volunteers, donations and interest, it has continued to grow and evolve. It …not only celebrates the lives of everyone who was lost that day, but provides a forum for remembrance of the past and a life-affirming event.
September 2012 Anniversary Race Details
The 2012 Tunnel to Towers Run will be held after the 11th anniversary of 9/11.- When Sunday, September 30,2012
- Start Time: 9:30 AM
- Where: Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, New York City, NY
- Fees: Check the Tunnel to Towers website
