Dominic Palermo, a 23-year-old from Tottenville, won the annual Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb with a time of 15 minutes and 28 seconds, outpacing Brooklyn's David Roeske by 26 seconds. Having finished second the previous year, Palermo emphasized that he and Roeske were closely matched throughout the climb. The event supports the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring 9/11 first responders. Palermo expressed his appreciation for participating in events that honor those who served, highlighting the stark contrasts between their experiences and his own as a modern competitor.
"I had done it last year, so I was just hoping to stay in running shape and then with just experience on the stairs to see how it went," Palermo said.
"During 9/11, there was no preparation [for] those first responders... I was running in shorts and a T-shirt. They had equipment..." stated Palermo.
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