Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Ripley, WV

Join the community in Ripley, West Virginia, for the inspiring Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This impactful 3.1-mile event offers participants of all ages and abilities the chance to run or walk a course centered around the Ripley Court House Gazebo at 100 North Court Street. This marks the 5th year this event has brought the community together in Ripley to honor heroes and support a vital cause.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk series stands as a powerful tribute to FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who bravely ran to the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, with 60 pounds of gear. By participating, you contribute to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's mission to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and to build specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The atmosphere is deeply supportive, with water stations available along the course to keep you hydrated, and awards given to those who embody the spirit of first responders.

Race day registration opens at 8:30 AM, leading up to a 10:00 AM start. Runners often describe these events as more about the profound experience and camaraderie than just the race itself, with a strong sense of unity and remembrance. Typical race day conditions in May offer pleasant weather, with highs around 77°F and lows around 49°F, and only a 20% chance of precipitation, creating an ideal environment for this meaningful event.