Love on the Run 5K Run or Walk

Early Packet Pickup: TBA - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Babcock Ranch Lifestyle Office, 42891 Lake Babcock Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

Race Day Packet Pickup: Saturday, June 20th - 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. at Babcock Ranch Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

Join us for the Public Safety 5K Run/Walk presented by Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Employee Assistance Fund, and hosted by Babcock Ranch.

SPECIAL MESSAGE: If you plan to register for the race on race day, please bring a credit card or plan to use Apple Pay. Cash will not be accepted.

Babcock Ranch is excited to announce our EAF Public Safety 5k Run/Walk. The course is a scenic 3.1 miles around Babcock Ranch, starting and finishing at Founder's Square.

Event Overview:

Date: Race day registration from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.; Race starts at 7:30 a.m.

Location: 42850 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda, FL 33982

Shirt Cutoff Date: June 5, 2026 (Shirts are NOT guaranteed after this date)

Course: Paved roads and sidewalks

Water Stations: Halfway mark and at the finish line

Bathrooms: Near the Start Line

Spectator-friendly: Yes, the course is great for spectators

Distance: 5K (3.1 miles). Race Start Time: 7:30 a.m. sharp.

Awards:

Participants receive a finisher medal.

Overall Awards:

Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters: 1st Place Male & Female.

Age Group Awards: In-person awards for top three in the following groups: 9 and Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the race timed? Yes, it’s chip-timed.

Are there fun runs? Yes, untimed fun run participants start with the 5K.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, for an additional $10 added to your registration fee your dog will receive a CCSO EAF bandana. Your dog must be leashed, and you must start at the back of the race.

Are strollers allowed? Yes, but strollers must start at the back of the race.

Refunds: There are no refunds for this race. Race insurance is available at registration check out.

Point of Contact Info:

Liz Ogle - Race Director

Tel: 239-940-3949 or 941.676.7191

Email: [email protected]

What is a Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk?

The Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 by supporting our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.t2t.org.

This will be the eighth year in Fort Myers, and we are excited to once again bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

This is a 5K (approximately 3.1 miles) to walk or run this event. Anyone can run, walk, or experience this event.

Where can I pick up my packet?

TBA

Can I register the day of the run?

Yes. Online registration will remain open through race day. Registration table will open at 7 AM the morning of the race. Day of registrations will only be available using a QR code through your cell phone only. No paper registrations will be used.

When does online registration close?

• IMPORTANT Online registration will remain OPEN through Saturday, September 12, 2026 and close promptly at race time.

• Registration prices on race day will increase $10 for all registrations except for First Responders.

• You can register for the race in the morning at the event site - it opens at 7 AM.

Do I have to wear my bib number?

Yes, please display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. Those who run without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.

I am a fast runner. Can I get a front-line position?

Runners predicting a pace faster than 6 minute/mile will be seeded in the front corral (arrive early).

Will there be awards for running?

Yes, we keep them very simple since our mission is to honor first responders, most of our awards are based on firefighters, police or military running in gear in the same fashion that Stephen Siller did on 9/11. This event is intended to be an experience and much more than a run.

Will water be available?

Yes, a water station will be available along the route and there will be water available at the start/finish line.

What can you bring to the event? Can I run with a stroller, backpack, wheelchair, roller blades, bicycle, etc.?

Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also permitted. Please do not leave any personal items visible in your vehicle. All items should be stored securely at the owner's risk. Tunnel to Towers Foundation will not be responsible for the loss of any items.

Does my registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?

Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising goal.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

Yes, they can. They must present a copy of your registration receipt. And don't forget to thank them!

Can I still donate to a team and/or individual after the start of the race?

Yes. Donations will be accepted for 6 weeks after the event.

How can my company/organization sponsor this event?

Please send all sponsorship correspondence to [email protected] with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

I would like to donate goods or services to this event. How do I do that?

You can contact us at [email protected]. We make every effort to keep costs down to allow us to give the most to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation “In the Line of Duty” programs. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

As a participant, can I fundraise/encourage others to donate?

Yes! Once you are registered, you will be given directions to start your own fundraising page and you will be able to accept donations online. Do you want to donate cash/money? We can help you with that. Contact us at [email protected] and we can walk you through the process or you can send donations directly to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

ATTN: Fort Myers

2361 Hylan Boulevard

Staten Island, NY 10306

Please give us your information so we can add it to your fundraising page.

Where can I mail an OFFLINE donation (check made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation)?

Please mail any offline donations to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

ATTN: Fort Myers

2361 Hylan Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?

Yes. See information above OR contact us at [email protected] and we will manually change it in our system. *Transfers must be received before Thursday, September 10th.

Can I get a refund?

We do not provide refunds for the event regardless of if you cannot make the date or the foundation needs to cancel the event for extenuating circumstances. Registration may be transferred to another person. *Transfers must be received before Thursday, September 10th.

How can I volunteer?

It's simple! Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities. Go online and you can REGISTER as a volunteer! Thank you!

Do registrants get receipts?

When you register online you should automatically receive a receipt. If paying by credit card or check that is your receipt. If paying in cash, receipt upon request.

Is there a medical staff available on-site?

Yes, there will be an Emergency Medical Service team available on site. There is also radio communication available on the course to help communicate with the EMS.

Does Tunnel to Towers offer fundraising incentives?

Yes, we offer fundraising incentives each year; check out our latest in our Fundraising Guide. To qualify, complete your fundraising by November 2026.

Join us for the 2026 Running Scared 5K – Pumpkin Challenge on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)! This year we’re switching things up with a morning race starting at 8:30 AM, bringing the same high-energy fun to an exciting new location. Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a race that supports an incredible cause — all proceeds benefit Special Olympics Florida.

But remember — this is not your ordinary 5K… this is the Pumpkin Challenge!

Are you ready to test your strength and endurance? In the Pumpkin Challenge, you won’t just run the course — you’ll carry a pumpkin along the way! At the start of the race, you’ll have the option to choose from pumpkins placed at various points throughout the course. Smaller pumpkins near the start must be carried the longest distance. As you move along the course, the pumpkins get bigger — but the distance you carry them gets shorter. Will you go light and long, heavy and short, or find the perfect balance in between? The choice is yours! And yes — the pumpkin you carry is yours to keep as you get ready for fall.

In addition to the race, participants can enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere with community activities and post-race excitement. It’s a morning filled with fitness, laughter, and purpose.

Race Details

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

Start Time: 8:30 AM

5K Awards

Overall Male & Female – 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Age Groups (awards based on net chip time):

0–10 | 11–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–69 | 70+

Top 3 Male & Female in each category will be awarded.

All participants will receive a Running Scared t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be held at Fleet Feet Fort Myers and on race morning prior to the start

Friday October 2nd 2026 at Fleet Feet Fort Myers 5:00-7:00pm

Race Moring at FGCU 7:30am-8:15am