Big crowds expected for Tunnel to Towers 5k Run on Sunday

As many as 30,000 people are expected to walk, jog and race in the 12th Annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk that kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the Gowanus approach to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

It's too late to register online, but last-minute athletes can register by showing up at the Brooklyn Ikea store early on Sunday morning before the race with a minimum $75 donation, publicist Liz Feldman said.

The 5K run/walk retraces the steps of firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the tunnel loaded with gear to join the FDNY on 9/11 in the World Trade Center towers, where he and hundreds of other first responders died.

Money raised from the event goes to programs to help children who have lost parents (Siller was orphaned before he turned 11), burn centers, firefighters and military veterans.