COLUMBUS, Ga. - Preston, a small town in Webster County southeast of Columbus, will host a Tunnel to Towers 5K on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. The run honors first responders and veterans, including those who died on 9/11. Participants can sign up online at runwalkpreston.t2t.org or on the day of the event, according to WTVM's Military Matters segment.

What the race raises

The event benefits Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit started by the family of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. The Preston race is one of about 100 across the country. Organizers set a fundraising goal of $50,000 and, as of WTVM's report on Oct. 29, were close to reaching it.

The station reported that 343 first responders died in the Sept. 11 attacks, and the event is built around remembering them. Organizers expect about 250 participants. The article did not list an entry fee.

How the morning will run

The program begins with the Georgia State Patrol Honor Guard presenting the colors, followed by the national anthem, a moment of silence and Taps. Participants wear badges with photos of the people being honored. The organizer told WTVM, "Each of them (badges) has their picture. We strap them on during the opening ceremony or throughout the 5K,"

Every finisher receives a medal. A donut dash for children, face painting, inflatables, snacks and raffle prizes are also planned. WTVM quoted the organizer on Siller's motto: "While we still have time, Let Us Do Good."

Details at a glance

The race falls just before Veterans Day on Nov. 11. WTVM names the organizer as Casey Dring in one place and Casie Dring in another, so the spelling is unconfirmed. Readers who want to register or volunteer should use the race website rather than rely on social media posts, since the fee and parking details were not published in the report.

Source note: Reviewed by The Columbus Times from WTVM's Military Matters report dated Oct. 29, 2026. The entry fee and organizer's name spelling could not be confirmed.