One of the most anticipated events of the year in the valley is the annual Pat’s Run, which this year is honoring its 20th Anniversary. The run was established 20 years ago after the tragic passing of Pat Tillman. His friends and family came together with this idea to honor his legacy.
According to Michelle Martin, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Pat Tillman Foundation, there are many people who benefit from this run every year. “All the funds raised from this race go toward scholarships and professional development opportunities for nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars. Tillman Scholars are remarkable service members, veterans, and military spouses whose commitment to leadership through action and service beyond self goes beyond the uniform.” Since its founding in 2004, nearly one thousand Tillman Scholars have been selected.
The run was created as an important reminder of the life Tillman led. After his death in 2004, close friends and family, including Pat’s Run founding committee members Perry Edinger, Doug Tammaro, Mark Zimmer, Christina Hundley, and Alex Garwood, wanted to create an event that would combine and highlight Pat’s interests and attributes, in a way that would welcome the community to commemorate his life and legacy. “After much discussion, the group came up with the 4.2-mile run, which is symbolic of his jersey number,” shares Martin. “It also embodies his competitive nature as he completed several marathons and triathlons.”
The run is 4.2 miles long, winds through the streets of Tempe, and finishes at the 42-yard line of Mountain America Stadium, home of the ASU Sun Devils. All are welcome to participate in the run including children. If the 4.2 is a bit too long for them, children 12 years and under may run the Kids Run, which is .42 miles. You can do the run in person on April 13th in Tempe, or you can do it virtually anywhere in the world, and submit results by April 20th. “This gives people across the country to honor Tillman,” says Martin. “Thousands of runners celebrate his amazing life and legacy by hosting Tillman Honor Runs nationwide.”
If you would like more information on this popular event, or would like to sign up to participate yourself, you can log onto runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Tempe/PatsRun. Participants do receive an event shirt and medal for completing the run.
“The event has become more than a run for participants. For some, it is viewed as an annual family physical challenge, and for others, it is a way to give back to the community.”
Register for the 20th Annual Pat’s Run presented by TEKsystems today to secure your exclusive merch! Registration includes the official 2024 Pat’s Run race shirt and medal and the option to add on our new, limited-edition “Throwback Tee” and this year’s Iconic Tee!
