A new 5K is coming to town. For the first time, Buffalo will play host to the 2016 Buffalo Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk. The race honors the first responders who died on 9/11 and raises money to build homes for wounded veterans – both worthy causes. While this is the first year that the race is being organized in Buffalo, it has been ongoing in NYC for the last 15 years. The 5K is being organized by race director Brian Guy, who is also a firefighter.
“As a firefighter I had heard about the Tunnel to Towers Race in NYC and, like for so many other firefighters, this became a bucket-list item,” says Guy. “When I finally made it to NYC for the 10th anniversary of the attacks in 2011 I was overwhelmed by the event, the patriotism, support for America’s first responders, and the support for America’s military personnel, especially those severely injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 30,000 people attended that year! The sights and sounds and emotion of the event are amazing and I encourage everyone who can go to do so. I’ve been there every year since 2011 and plan on going for as long as I can.
“After attending the NYC run I got to know some of the people with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and some of the veterans that they were building homes for. I thought it would be great to be able to bring the run here in Buffalo. This run is important not only in NYC but also in Buffalo and Savannah and Dallas and any of the other cities it is being held in this year. It helps keep the memory of those murdered on September 11th, 2001 alive and reminds us that we are still at war, and our fellow Americans are sacrificing every day with time away from their families, their limbs and their lives. Running or walking the route in Buffalo will help show our community support for our First Responders and our Military and show that we will Never Forget.”
2016 Buffalo | Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
September 10, 2016 | 9am – 2pm | Register here | Also see Facebook event
Race starts behind First Niagara Center