Stephen Siller's Story

On September 11, 2001, NYC Firefighter Stephen Siller didn’t run from trouble.  He ran toward it.  He knew instinctively that no problem is ever solved by avoiding it so instead of guaranteeing his safety by continuing on his journey out of NYC.  He turned around and went back in.  When he could drive no further, he strapped on all of his gear (60 lbs of it) and ran the 3 miles back to burning, terrifying chaos.  Then he went to work.

His example is for all of us.  We have the power to make a difference.  The Siller family created the Tunnel to Towers Run in his honor to remember his sacrifice and to inspire us all to do good for others.  The 2012 Tunnel to Towers Run – Wake Forest is proud to support worthy organizations with proceeds from our run so that they can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

On the last Sunday of each September in New York City, tens of thousands of runners gather to participate in the Tunnel to Towers Run and celebrate the service and sacrifices made by inspirational national heroes. The Tunnel to Towers Run in New York was founded by the Siller family to commemorate the heroic quest of NY firefighter Stephen Siller on September 11, 2001, who’s life tragically ended at the World Trade Center.

Tunnel to Towers comes to Wake Forest

In 2009, a local woman heard Stephen’s story on National Public Radio. She was so moved that she felt the need to spread Stephen’s story and show appreciation and support for the heroes in her community.  With the help of the Siller family, she initiated a Tunnel to Towers run in downtown Wake Forest, the first outside of New York City.  Along with a committee of teachers, firefighters, police officers and other community members, she is following in the footsteps of a hero!

On Saturday, September 8, 2012 the Wake Forest community will come together for the Fourth Annual Tunnel to Towers Run - Wake Forest.  Our goals are to honor the heroic efforts made every day by our local firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and military service members and serve as a memorial to FDNY Stephen Siller.

Come and join us!  You can Follow in the Footsteps of a Hero.

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