More than 750 runners raised over $14,000 at the seventh annual Tunnel to Towers 5K in St. Johns County on Sept. 12.

The race started at 100 Beachwalk Club Drive near Nocatee, according to Action News Jax. Among the crowd were local firefighters and sheriff's deputies who ran the 3.1-mile course in full gear to honor first responders killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Firefighter ran course in full bunker gear

Griffin Hoegee, a firefighter with St. Johns County Fire and Rescue, completed the race in heavy bunker gear. "We're doing it for our brothers … Who are we to complain when they made the ultimate sacrifice?" Hoegee said. He added he would happily do it again next year.

Sheriff's deputies ran despite the heat

Todd Boger of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office also ran the course despite high temperatures, saying the heat was nothing compared to what first responders faced that day. The Sheriff's Office said in a post on X that its personnel completed the race wearing law enforcement uniforms.

Race honors FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller

The race honors FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. On Sept. 11, 2001, Siller strapped on his gear and ran three miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward the Twin Towers. He lost his life.

Foundation provides homes to fallen heroes' families

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation grew from Siller's story. The organization provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. It also builds adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders. The foundation says 91 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programs and services. It has held a four-star Charity Navigator rating for 12 consecutive years.

Patty Trousdell, an event coordinator with the foundation, said the goal is to keep the memory alive locally so the community never forgets.

Runners spanned generations, memories of 9/11

Participants spanned generations. Some carried vivid memories of the attacks. Younger runners learned about the tragedy through history books.

Residents who want to support the local effort can visit the St. Johns County race page.

Upcoming: NYC race set for Sept. 27

Upcoming: The 25th annual Tunnel to Towers NYC 5K Run & Walk is scheduled for Sept. 27