Hundreds of runners come together for the Tunnel to Towers 5K at Mahoney Park

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nearly 200 people came together at Mahoney Park on Saturday for the Tunnel to Towers 5K run.

The run honors first responders and military members who have died in the line of duty, while also supporting their families.

“Everybody from the Department of Corrections, Army, Air Force, National Guard, LPD and LFR is here,” said Director Kalani Baber. “It’s so important because those are the ones who protect us in service; they’re the ones that keep our community safe. We want to honor them here today, and the ones we’ve lost in the line of duty.”

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created in honor of firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Bridge Tunnel toward the Twin Towers on September 11th, 2001.

Now, these runs continue that legacy. And for Baber, this hits close to home.

“My husband passed away in 2021 from COVID,” she said. “He worked for the Department of Corrections. After he passed, the Tunnel to Towers stepped in and paid off our mortgage for us.”

One runner wore a special number, honoring one of their own who recently died.

The impact of the race goes far beyond the capital city.

“One officer from Crete is wearing that significant number, 343, to run in honor of Chief Young, who just passed away,” Baber said. “It really shows his legacy will carry on.”

The number is significant for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

“There were 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day on 9/11,” Baber said. “So the foundation really makes it a point to make sure everyone knows that that number is significant.”

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow paid their respects before the race.

With so many joining in, Baber said it just goes to show how strong the community is.