With a countdown, they were off. Participants hit the ground running and walking in the footsteps of a local hero Sunday. 

Thousands gathered to retrace the steps of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller for the 20th annual Tunnel to Towers 5k Run & Walk. For first time, runners like 12-year-old Amelia Foster and her friends participated in an event they said they could not miss. 

“We’re supporting all the life that was lost and coming together with everybody here,” Foster said. “We’re just going to run and have a good time.”

“I’m looking forward to just being in a community where we’re all supporting the same thing,” said Brooklyn teen Sophie Sprouse.  

Siller was on his way home back on Sept. 11, 2001 when he heard about a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center towers. He turned back, strapped on 75 pounds of gear and ran through the Battery Tunnel as it was called then, to help save lives. Many firefighters wore their gear to pay homage. The event also honored members of the military who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s to kinda feel what they went through, even though we’re not in those situations, just getting a chance to walk through it and partake in everything to show support,” said Leticia Lacerda, who’s been a firefighter for five years. 

The 5k trek took participants from Brooklyn through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel to Lower Manhattan on Vestry Street just off the West Side Highway. 

Frank Siller is the brother of Stephen and says he knows his brother would be proud all these years later. 

“He’d love a big party, all these first responders. They were larger than life. He’d be honored that we’re helping the greatest of all Americans, those who died for you and I,” said Siller. 

For many of the participants who crossed the finish line, they say this is more than a tribute, it’s inspirational. Many are looking forward to participating next year.