NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — It started small, but this year's annual Tunnel to Towers run will be bigger than ever.
There were 2,000 people who took part in the first event, which was held in 2002 to pay homage to the 343 FDNY firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
This year, they expect 35,000 participants.
"We never imagined it to be this big," said Frank Siller, who started the foundation in memory of his brother.
Firefighter Stephen Siller ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center where he was killed on 9/11.
"So we just wanted to honor what he did and from the first year we wanted to honor what all first responders did. And we wanted to remember all those who perished," Siller said. "We're retracing Stephen's final footsteps through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel so emotionally it's difficult."
The event benefits the 9/11 charity that continues to expand its mission. The group buys home for the families of fallen service members and first responders.
This year, Siller said the foundation will deliver 200 mortgage-free homes.
The Tunnel to Towers weekend kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. with a concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd in New Jersey's Liberty State Park.
The 2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk will be held Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
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