Mobile Bay Remembers 9/11

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The anniversary of the September 11th attacks can bring back memories of horror. But it's also a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made.

New York Firefighter Stephen Siller is one of the many who made a sacrifice that day. Siller had just gotten off of work, and was headed to go golfing when he heard about the attacks.. He turned around and went back to the fire station. Realizing he had just missed the firetruck, he donned his full gear and ran through the Battery Tunnel to the burning World Trade Center Towers. Stephen died when the towers collapsed.

In memory of Stephen Siller, a memorial run was created in New York. The idea has spread across the United States, and to Mobile in the last eleven years.

Last year, Mobile Bay Remembers held the first Tunnel to Towers Run. The day starts with a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at the USS Alabama. The gun for the 5k Run/Walk goes off at 8 a.m., and the course takes participants along the causeway, through the Bankhead Tunnel, down Government Street, and ends at the RSA Tower.

There is also a fun run that starts at 8:45 a.m. on the Government Street side of the Bankhead Tunnel. Then at 9 a.m., motorcyclists and bicyclists will take the same course as the runners and walkers from the USS Alabama to the RSA Tower.

Several New York Firefighters will be among the crowd, and they will be introduced at 9:15 a.m. along with representatives from the Stephen Siller Foundation .

There will also be a post race party with a performance by the South Alabama Show Choir.

Schedule of Events:
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Noon - 8 PM:  Packet Pick-up and Late Registration at Hampton Inn Downtown
 
Sunday, September 9, 2012
5:30 AM - 7:45 AM:  Packet Pick-up and Day of Race Registration at Hampton Inn Downtown
5:30 AM - 7:45 AM:  Bus shuttles from Royal Street at Conti (Hampton Inn Downtown) to Battleship Park
6:30 AM:  Sunrise service at Battleship Park
8:00 AM:  5K Run/Walk start from Battleship Park
8:20 AM:  Post-race commemoration/celebration opens
8:45 AM:  Fun Run start from west entrance of Bankhead Tunnel on Government Street
9:00 AM:  5K Motorcycle and Bicycle Start from Battleship Park
9:15 AM:  Introduction of New York Firefighters and representatives from Stephen Siller Foundation
9:30 AM:  South Alabama Show Choir performs
10:00 AM:  Recognition of top finishers, teams, and fundraisers
11:30 AM:  Post-race commemoration/celebration closes