Tunnel to Towers 5K at Ben Clark Training Center Raises More Than $26,000 for First Responders and Veterans

Nearly 1,000 runners, public safety professionals, and community members gathered at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center on March 21 for the 2026 Riverside Tunnel to Towers 5K, raising more than $26,000 for families of fallen first responders, injured service members, and veterans experiencing homelessness.

The event drew 996 participants and featured a community outreach and recruitment expo connecting attendees with representatives from public safety agencies and educational programs, including the School of Public Safety at Moreno Valley College.

Funds raised will support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and military members, builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and supports initiatives focused on ending veteran homelessness.

“This year’s event was a strong demonstration of professionalism, coordination, and commitment to the community,” CAL FIRE Fire Captain Tim Day said in a written statement.

The event concluded with zero injuries, a result that organizers attributed to the coordination and preparedness of participating personnel and volunteers. Community participation also increased significantly from previous years, reflecting growing regional support for the event and its mission.

District and college representatives supported event operations and outreach throughout the day. Student EMTs Jorge Recarte and Matthew Turcotte assisted with medical readiness efforts, while the Veterans Resource Center connected attendees with specialized support services. The college’s comfort dog, Eros, also attended, providing support and engagement for participants and families.

The event was supported through collaboration among CAL FIRE, the Riverside County Fire Department, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and Moreno Valley College School of Public Safety. The next Riverside Tunnel to Towers 5K is scheduled for March 13, 2027, at the Ben Clark Training Center.