Columbia Celebrates 9/11 Heroes with Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Day of Remembrance and Community

On a sunny Friday morning, thousands of enthusiastic participants filled the streets of downtown Columbia for a special event that resonated with purpose and camaraderie. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation proudly hosted a vibrant 5K run and walk dedicated to honoring the heroes and innocents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Friends, families, veterans, and community members came together, united in remembrance and support.

The Heart Behind the Event

“This is something we started back in 2013. We’ve done it every year,” shared David Kerr, the vice chairman of the Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina. With a hint of pride in his voice, he mentioned how the event was briefly paused due to the pandemic. “It’s something that has grown year after year. We have our largest attendance this year.”

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization founded in response to the tragic events of 9/11, focuses on building smart homes for injured veterans and first responders, while also organizing events like this one across the nation. It’s wonderful to see how a heartbreak led to an inspiring mission of helping others.

A Thriving Community Gathering

The turnout was impressive! With approximately 2,300 participants, the Columbia event stands tall as the second largest Tunnel to Towers event, coming in just after New York City. As participants crossed the starting line on Lincoln Street, the spirit of unity and gratitude enveloped the atmosphere. The route took them through West Columbia and Cayce, before looping back to end where it all began.

Voices of Remembrance

The day wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of community with guest speakers, live entertainment, and a tempting array of food trucks. Keri Thomas-Shands, an Air Force veteran who served for nine years, passionately expressed her motivation for participating. “I just wanted to show my support to my other fallen brothers and sisters and those who lost their lives in 9/11,” she said. The message was clear: remembering the past fuels a commitment to honoring those who served.

The Taylor family echoed this sentiment, stating, “We want to remember 9/11 and all the heroes did to help the citizens of America. We want to make sure we never forget.” Their words were a reminder that the collective memory of that fateful day remains alive in the hearts of many.

Support from Local Businesses

Community support shined brightly, with sponsors like Kirk Jenkins from Lexington Medical Center expressing their pride in being part of such a meaningful event. “We’re very honored to sponsor this event and pay tribute to Stephen Siller, our first responders, our military members, and our veterans,” he noted. “Being able to give back and have the community behind us participate, honoring our heroes is just exceptional, and gives us a great feeling every year.”

Embracing the Spirit of Togetherness

As the sun shone down and runners sped past, it was evident that this 5K was about more than just running. It was a powerful reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and unity. Each step taken, each cheer heard, and each story shared brought a sense of healing for many in attendance.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K in Columbia reminded all of us how important it is to come together in remembrance. As participants crossed the finish line, there was a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment that resonated with the mission of honoring those who protect our freedom and safety.

As the day wrapped up, it was clear that many walked away with not just a medal for finishing the race, but also with renewed connections to their community and an unwavering commitment to remembering the past. Here’s to honoring the heroes of 9/11 and the spirit of community that lives on!