Myrtle Beach recently hosted the Tunnel to Towers 5K, an event held on September 20, 2026, that drew hundreds of participants to honor those who died on September 11, 2001. The race took place at The Market Common, a prominent district in Myrtle Beach known for its retail and entertainment offerings, providing a significant local venue for this national remembrance.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation organizes these events across the country to commemorate the sacrifices made during the 9/11 attacks. The foundation’s mission is rooted in the story of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, carrying 60 pounds of gear, and ultimately gave his life. The 5K run/walk events aim to retrace a portion of Siller’s heroic journey, symbolizing the courage and dedication of first responders.
For Myrtle Beach, an area with a strong sense of community and a significant population of veterans and first responders, the event holds particular resonance. The Grand Strand region, home to many who have served, often participates in commemorative events that honor public service and sacrifice. The participation of hundreds of individuals underscores the community’s commitment to remembering the events of 9/11 and supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ongoing work, which includes providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and catastrophically injured veterans, and smart homes to injured first responders.
The Market Common, a mixed-use development built on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, serves as a fitting location for such a patriotic event, connecting the city’s military history with current community engagement. The annual 5K allows residents and visitors alike to come together, reflect on a pivotal moment in American history, and show solidarity with those who continue to serve and protect.
