Tunnel to Towers Climb - Chicago, IL

Climbing Details

How long is the T2T Tower Climb at 150 N. Riverside Drive?

You will be starting at the park next to the building at ground level and climbing up to the 50th floor

How many steps are there per flight?

The number of steps varies per flight.

Can I climb more than one time up?

Yes, after your first climb, please take the elevator down to the first level. Once every wave has been sent off, there may be an opportunity to have a second, untimed climb.

Will there be medical assistance if necessary?

There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency. They will be staged at the base of the building next to the elevators so they can respond quickly to an emergency on any floor.

What direction does the stairwell wind?

The stairwell winds to the right.

Is there a limit on how many people can register?

As of now, the operational capacity of this event is 500 participants.

Is this a timed climb?

Yes. Timing chips will be attached to the back of your bib and will record your finish time. The timing chip should remain affixed to your bib. In order to receive an accurate time, please make sure your bib is clearly visible on the FRONT of the torso.

Check back the day before the event for information on wave assignments and the link to the website with official results!

Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?

Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way. Slower climbers should move to the left, allowing faster climbers to pass on the right.

I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?

No problem if you cannot finish. Just find a volunteer or staff member who can escort you to the nearest rest area and direct you to an elevator.

I’m a first responder/military. Can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, Scott pack, service/utility/combat uniform, etc.?

Yes, you may wear your uniform with gear. In fact, we encourage it!

Can I bring my cell phone?

Yes, you may bring your cell phone.

Packet Pick-up: TBD

When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and t-shirt)?

Registration packet pickup will be on a date and location in the week leading up to the event. Please check back later for updates

On Saturday, September 12th (day of event), you can pick up your bib and t-shirt starting at 6:45 am in the park adjacent to the building. All climbers MUST have a bib in order to participate. Non-bibbed spectators are welcome to attend the ceremonies in the park

Event Day Information

What time should I arrive at 150 North Riverside Plaza?

We will be open at 6:45am for new registration and packet pick up. Please plan to arrive in time for the Opening Ceremony at 8:00 am.

8:00 am: Opening Ceremony

8:30 am: First Wave with each wave to be staggered after. Please check back closer to the event day for more information.

I want to climb with my team, family or a group of friends. Will we be able to start the climb together?

Yes, but you must be part of a fundraising team in order to be assigned the same start time. Please make sure to indicate what team you are climbing with when you register. Declaring for a fundraising team is the second to last page of registration

Can I wear a weighted rucksack?

Yes. Ruck climbers are welcome!

Race-Day Information

How do I get to the event?

The address to use for your GPS is: 150 North Riverside Drive, Chicago IL 60606

Is parking available?

Participants are strongly encouraged to use modes of public transportation as parking is very limited. The building is centrally located next to the river and has plenty of public transportation options. Limited parking may be available at the building site for a parking fee.

Will there be water stations along the climb?

Yes. There will be a water station at the start area and one at the finish. At this time, there are no water stops planned for inside the stairwell

Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line on the 50th Floor?

No. Due to space limitations and security restrictions, no spectators are allowed at the finish line.

Will I receive an event t-shirt?

Yes. All participants in The T2T Tower Climb will receive an event t-shirt in your race packet and a finisher's medal after your climb.

T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up locations.

Is a bag check area provided?

Due to strict security regulations, we are unable to check bags larger than a ziplock bag. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.

Registration & Minimum Fundraising Details

When is the best time to register?

The best time to register is always RIGHT NOW. The current price is always the lowest price, and there will be price increases

Is there a fundraising minimum?

NO! Our goal is simply to honor and celebrate our first responders and military heroes. There are no fundraising minimums, however, we do encourage everyone to fundraise in support of the various programs the Foundation operates.

What does the Foundation do with the money raised?

Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s various programs including our Smart Home Program, Fallen First Responder Home Program, Gold Star Family Home Program and Homeless Veteran program. To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and our programs, please visit www.t2t.org.

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Yes. People must be at least 12 years old to participate in the stair climb.

When is the deadline to register for the T2T Tower Climb?

Anyone can register for this event until the start of the climb. Please note, if you register after we close online registration or in person at the event our prices go up so register early to save. The event is limited to 500 entrants!

My company has a matching gift program. Can I submit my donation to my company for matching and have that amount added to my fundraiser?

Yes, but only if the matching gift is received by October 18th.

Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?

No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb and includes a participant t-shirt. All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

If I am no longer able to make it to the T2T Tower Climb after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else climb in my place?

No, participation is non-transferrable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution.

Team Information

How do I form a team?

You can form a team while you register online by selecting the option to "Fundraise as a team". You will be offered the option to JOIN A TEAM or START A TEAM. If you select “join a team” it will give you a list of current teams.

Is there a limit on team size?

No - sign up as many teammates as you can!

I am a Team Captain. Can I enroll all members of my team at one time?

Yes! You can register all your climbers.

Can I pay for my whole team by company check?

Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member's registration fee.

How do we register our company team if paying by check?

Please contact [email protected] if you plan to pay by company check.

How can I be a volunteer for the T2T Tower Climb?

We welcome volunteers to help us with the event. Please register as a volunteer on our registration page and contact [email protected] to express your interest in volunteering.

Do you accept donations for the T2T Tower Climb?

Yes. We are seeking donations of water, food or giveaways for our climbers.

Sponsorship Information

How can I be a sponsor for the T2T Tower Climb?

Sponsors make a big impact on our event and we have many opportunities for promotions at our event. Please contact [email protected] for any vendor or sponsor opportunities.

For additional questions about the climb please contact [email protected].