Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 9-11 5K run in Los Angeles

Today I ran the Los Angeles Stephen SillerTunnel to Towers 9-11 5K run.

This is a race that is done all over the US.  Tunnel to Towers honors the courage and dedication of 9/11 first responders, our military men and women and their families.
On September 11th, firefighter Stephen Siller had just gotten off the late shift at Squad 1, Park Slope, Brooklyn.  He was on his way to play golf with his brothers on that bright clear day when his scanner told of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers.  When he heard the news, he called his wife Sally to tell her he would be late because he had to help those in need.  He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear, then took his final heroic steps to the World Trade Center.  When Stephen drove his truck  to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, it was already closed to traffic .  With sixty pounds of gear strapped to his back, he ran through the Tunnel, hoping  to meet up with his own company, Squad 1.  He never came home.

This run was not about time and PR.  It was about remembering and honoring the ones who paid the ultimate price that day.   I would have not missed it for anything. 

On September 11, 2001, I was home alone and still asleep when the phone rang.  It was Bill telling me to turn on the TV.  I did and I saw Matt Lauer and what I thought was a snow storm.  I said "Wow they are having a snow storm in September!"  Bill said "This is not snow Caro, it is ashes"  I remember that day I stayed in front of the TV all day.  And I cried.  Bill came home around 6 pm and I had not moved, if I did I don't remember doing it.  I still cry every time I see pictures or video of that horrible day.  I struggle with explaining this to my young kids.  At their age they don't understand.  They know something bad happened.  They know people died.  They know lots of people were brave that day.  They know they live in a great country.  For now that is plenty.

Here are some pictures of the Los Angeles 9-11 Run.

GIRL IN WHITE: FIRST FEMALE

WINNER, Running for Marine Corps

They came in right before me, they were singing the whole time!

That is Will holding the flag

I was the only one who ran with a flag.  I got a lot of cheers for it!

They had the nicest bib!

That is my time 29:55

9-11 Memorial

Picture I found on  Facebook page of the Race when we got home.