Used Boot Drive

In honor of Stephen and all of the firefighters that we lost that horrible day ten years ago, we would like to make the 2011 run special. We are asking for at least one pair of fire boots (can be worn and used) to be donated from each fire department in honor of the 343 men who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  If you can donate more, it is greatly appreciated.

For each pair of boots that we receive, we are planning to line the 5K course with them.  An American flag will stand in the boots to represent each firefighter.  In addition to the American flag, each pair of boots will be labeled with the fire department’s name on it stating, “This pair of boots was donated by XXXXX Fire Department in honor of the 343 firefighters that paid the ultimate sacrifice on 9-11-01.”

Following the race, we are partnering with ”The Engines of Hope Foundation” and donating the fireboots to fire departments outside of the United States that are less fortunate than us and can use them.  The Engines of Hope Foundation was started to provide fire and rescue apparatus and equipment to rural communities, both foreign and domestic, at an affordable price, allowing them to provide services for their citizens.

For More Information Visit www.EnginesofHope.org

The boots can be shipped to the address below:

Running in Turnout Gear?

Many of the firefighters that participate in the Tunnel to Towers Runs choose to run in their turnout gear. You see, on 9/11 when Stephen Siller decided to return to his duty station at the WTC, he could not drive back to the burning buildings.  He had to park his vehicle at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and run the 3 miles back before he could go to work.  The only way to get his gear there was to wear it. 

In an effort to honor Stephen and all of the firefighters of FDNY lost on 9/11, firefighters choose to participate in the way most meaningful to them.  For some, that includes full gear including helmet & boots.  For firefighters and their families as well as other participants and bystanders, it is an emotional event.  Do not underestimate the impact this will have on you.

If you choose to run in gear, be sure to plan for it.  It is exhausting.  Bring friends to support and encourage you.  Train and hydrate.  Hydrate and train.

Training and Preparation

Hopefully you are all doing well with your training runs as we move into the hot temperatures of the summer season. Remember, the hard part isn't running the actual 5K; it's the training runs leading up to it.  On the day of the race, you will be plenty motivated by all the spectators, other firefighters, and simply the meaning of the day, but the training runs can be brutal. Completing the training will provide you with both the physical and psychological edge to complete your goal of running a 5k in turnout gear on race day in the honor of our fallen brothers. 

Remember we have always been told NOT to run on the fireground.  We are told this for a reason,
because it is very dangerous and we can easily get hurt. We all know how heavy and hot our gear is so it is
in our best interest to make sure we are prepared for race day.  With that being said, make sure you can
run 3 miles without gear first. Then work up to adding gear, helmet, etc.

Some firefighters choose to run in full turnout gear but wear running shoes in place of the boots. I would
make this recommendation to protect your feet and ankles and to prevent injuries. It is very hard to
pound the pavement in our boots. Also, hydration is a must for your training and for the race.  The key is
PRE-hydrate.  It is very easy to dehydrate wearing our gear running 3 miles.  PRE-hydration will prevent
cramps and will prevent that dreaded, embarrassing transport to the hospital.  We all want to finish the
race but remember we are not necessarily competing, we are running in the honor of our brothers. They
have already paid the ultimate sacrifice so another one is not needed, so please train and run SMART.

Volunteering

If you can not participate in the run on September 10, please consider volunteering.  We need lots of volunteers to help the event run smoothly.  Email us and be sure to tell us you're a firefighter so we can put your skills to work.

Got a question?

Lt. David Collins of the Wake Forest Fire Department is a member of our planning committee.  If you have a question or idea that relates specifically to firefighters, email him.   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it