When the World Trade Center Towers were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, many first responders rushed to help. Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter, was one of those first responders. Siller ran from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to Ground Zero to offer his assistance. The residents of Ellensburg, Washington, honored Siller's commitment to service on Sept. 13 at the Tunnel to Tower 5K. KIMA-TV reported that the event was started by a local high school student who has since moved on to college.
The race's legacy endures, however, thanks to the commitment of volunteers. Dozens of locals and first responders participated in the event. The firefighters who took part in the race did so while wearing 45 pounds of fire gear and carrying American flags.
"It's extremely rewarding that the community has embraced [the race] and that the firefighters and first responders have as well," event organizer Elise Herman told KIMA-TV.
The first responders who participated told the news source that it was rewarding to have the opportunity to show gratitude for fellow first responders who laid their lives down in service to others.
The city plans to continue holding the race for as long as people are interested.