6 running, walking, fun run, and other events in Ripley, West Virginia

CANCELED: Unfortunately, due to the lack of sign ups this year, the race will be canceled.

Join us at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 14th, for the 3rd annual Viking Dash 5K Run/Walk.

Whether you are a walker, new runner, or have been running for a long time, please join us as we share our love for running with you! This course is what some runners may call "fast." The race will start in the back parking lot of Ripley High School, run behind Ripley City Park, loop throughout the avenues and finish on the track. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Ripley High School Track & Field teams.

Awards will be given to 1st Place Overall Male and Female, and top two males and females in each age category. There will be no duplicate awards. Awards will be right after completion of the race.

Age groups:

12 and under,

13-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

51-59

60+

Pre-registration: $30

Race day registration: $30

Race day t-shirt will be guaranteed if registered by March 4th at midnight.

(Race day registration will be available, BUT online registration is greatly encouraged!)

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 through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit www.t2t.org.

This will be our 5th year in Ripley, WV, and we are excited to bring the community together to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs.

How far is a Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk?

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

Where can I pick up my packet?

Packet pick up details will be announced soon.

Can I register the day of the run?

Yes. Registration will open at 8:30 the morning of the run. If you wait to register, we may not have a shirt for you and we do not guarantee sizes for late registrants.

When does online registration close?

Online registration will remain open until race day registration is closed. If you wait to register you may not receive your t-shirt and any other race day swag.

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, but behind uniformed first responders. (please 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, 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 leave all personal items and valuables 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 Stephen Siller's name. 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, 2361 Hylan Boulevard., Staten Island, NY 10306, ATTM: Ripley 5K - 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: Adam Santamaria

2361 Hylan Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10306

Can I transfer my registration to another participant?

Yes. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will manually change it in our system.

Can I get a refund?

We do not provide refunds. Your registration may be transferred to another person.

How can I volunteer?

It's simple! Email us at [email protected] and we will reply within 24 hours. Volunteers are always needed for the day of festivities. 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 June 30, 2026.

Discounted Registration for Youth! Runners 16 and Under get half-price registration! (The discount is automatically applied at checkout.)

Celebrate the spring with the Main Street Movin' in May 5K on Thursday, May 22. This race starts and finishes at the gazebo on the Jackson County Courthouse lawn, leading right into the Movin' in May Finale Celebration! Winners will be announced as part of the program celebration. The first 50 registered will receive a free pair of 4-seasons race socks. This is the first step toward that 4 Seasons Championship Jacket!

Ripley, WV is the home of America’s Largest Small-Town 4th of July Celebration. For 28 years, the Main Street Firecracker race has been a part of this celebration kicking off immediately before the Grand Parade.

This year we have rebranded to the Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler, to celebrate the life of the race’s founder and main supporter. For 25 years, Gene and his family have celebrated the runners in our community, volunteering hours and resources to make this fast, mostly flat 2-mile course along the city streets a centerpiece of our patriotic celebrations.

Overall male and female runners will receive trophies and a $100 cash prize. Top three finishers in each age bracket will receive medals. There will be special recognitions for the oldest and youngest runners, most patriotic, best dressed, and farthest travelled.