Two firefighters from New York City will be in town to help kick off the inaugural Colorado Springs edition of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run on September 16, 2012.

Captain Rich Jaques and firefighter Tom Pair both worked with FDNY firefighters lost on 9/11 and are representing the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

“We just want to show our gratitude to the Colorado Springs community for pulling together and supporting firefighters and first responders,” said Jaques. “We know 9/11 isn’t just a New York event. It affected all of us around the country but has brought us together as a nation … and this event is evidence of that.”                                                                                 

Traditionally firefighters run in full gear in this race that will take place in about 60 cities around the world, celebrating its 11th anniversary this September.

The Colorado Springs Tunnel to Towers Run will be held next to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Memorial Park and starts at 8:00 am on September 16 with opening ceremonies starting at 7:30 am.

For complete information and to register online, go to www.T2TCOS.org.

Since 2002, the New York City Tunnel to Towers Run has been held annually to honor the 343 firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 and recreates the final footsteps of firefighter Stephen Siller who was 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.Siller was off duty when the first plane hit the Trade Center. He immediately returned to his firehouse, retrieved his gear, and headed towards the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

When he found that traffic was blocked to enter the tunnel, he strapped his heavy gear to his back, and sprinted along the catwalk towards Manhattan.  At the end of the tunnel, Stephen was picked up by a fire crew, and transported to West Street and Liberty, near Ground Zero.  His family believes that he attempted to meet up with Squad Co. 1 and raced into the Towers to do what he did best: save lives and comfort survivors.  Neither Stephen nor any of his Squad Co.1 mates survived.

The event, which was originally intended as a way for New Yorkers to honor the fallen heroes, has now become a yearly tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day and transcends the tragedy. Last year, more than 30,000 people attended and took part in the NY event.

The New York City Tunnel to Towers Run has become a springboard, and the event’s popularity has launched similar events and runs around the world, honoring those who lost their lives that day. Now, close to 60 communities, including Colorado Springs, have signed up to hold Tunnel to Towers Runs, and the Foundation is working toward a goal of runs in 343 different cities across the nation.

“The New York city 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 nationwide and worldwide.  It is now, without question, an annual event celebrated across the globe that 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 for the future. We are grateful to have the opportunity to include the entire United States, and even countries around the world, in this moving and meaningful event.”

The Colorado Springs Tunnel to Towers Run will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial, and the Colorado Springs Firefighter Foundation.

“We’re honored to be a part of this event in Colorado Springs and look forward to a lasting tradition of honoring our fallen brothers and sisters while raising money for some great causes,” said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Richard Brown. “It’s important for us all to remember what they stood for and the sacrifices they made.”

For more information on race locations, registration or fundraising for the Colorado Springs Tunnel to Towers Run, please visit www.T2Trun.org or www.T2TCOS.org.

This press release was provided by Curtis Claar of BigWig Racing.