The first Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk kicked off Saturday morning in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

Navy Veteran Bryan Turco, who is also the executive director of Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans, and his girlfriend were the ones behind hosting the 5K.

"Our goal was 100 racers and $10,000," explained Turco.

In the end, more than 500 people participated and more than $80,000 was raised.

"There's 72 Tunnel to Towers events in the country, if you take NYC out of it, which is massive. We're the third highest in the country as far as monies raised," said Turco.

The 5K was started to honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and support first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty.

"When you go to these communities – the foundation isn't just 9/11. That's a core part of it…but also never forget the sacrifices people make every day and communities such as Bridgeport understand that," said Tommy Mazza, manager of the National Run and Climb Series.

Find more information about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation here.