Thousands of runners pounded the pavement Sunday for the 23rd annual Tunnel To Towers 5K Run and Walk.

The race is a re-enactment of late firefighter Stephen Siller's run from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on 9/11.

It also honors the thousands who died in the terror attacks.

The run was especially meaningful to Ed Murphy. Two physician's from the Stony Brook Cancer Center joined the East Setauket native, who said they kept him alive during a battle with pancreatic cancer.

"I have a smile on my face. I haven't had many smiles on my face dealing with pancreatic cancer. I am very pleased that they offered and wanted to run with me, so it really helped that I can get back on my feet," Murphy said.

Proceeds from the event support programs for first responders and injured service members.