The Pat Tillman Run event, also known as the Pat's Run, is an annual charity run held in Tempe, Arizona, to honor the memory of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. The event, which typically takes place in April, attracts thousands of participants from across the United States and around the world. The run is a 4.2-mile course that starts and finishes at Sun Devil Stadium, home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team, where Tillman played his college football.
The Pat Tillman Foundation, which was established by Tillman's family and friends after his death in 2004, organizes the event. The foundation's mission is to invest in veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships, and to promote a culture of service and leadership. The run is one of the foundation's primary fundraising events, with proceeds going towards supporting the foundation's programs and services. In 2020, the Pat Tillman Foundation reported that it had awarded over $18 million in scholarships to more than 700 scholars since its inception.
Key Points
- The Pat Tillman Run event is a 4.2-mile charity run held annually in Tempe, Arizona.
- The event is organized by the Pat Tillman Foundation to honor Pat Tillman's memory and support the foundation's programs.
- Proceeds from the event go towards funding educational scholarships for veterans and their spouses.
- The run starts and finishes at Sun Devil Stadium, home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team.
- The event attracts thousands of participants from across the United States and around the world.
History of the Pat Tillman Run Event
The first Pat’s Run was held in 2005, a year after Tillman’s death in Afghanistan. The event was organized by Tillman’s friends and family, who wanted to create a tribute to his memory and a way to support his foundation. The initial event drew over 5,000 participants, and it has since grown to become one of the largest charity runs in the United States. In 2019, the event attracted over 30,000 participants, with many more attending the event as spectators.
Course Description and Logistics
The 4.2-mile course for the Pat Tillman Run event is designed to be a challenging yet accessible route for runners of all skill levels. The course starts at Sun Devil Stadium and takes participants through the Arizona State University campus and surrounding neighborhoods. The route is lined with spectators, volunteers, and Tillman’s family and friends, who come out to cheer on the runners and show their support for the foundation. According to the event organizers, the course is designed to be a “symbolic” 4.2 miles, representing the number 42, which was Tillman’s jersey number during his time at Arizona State University.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Typically held in April |
| Location | Tempe, Arizona |
| Course Length | 4.2 miles |
| Start and Finish | Sun Devil Stadium |
| Number of Participants | Over 30,000 (2019) |
Impact of the Pat Tillman Run Event
The Pat Tillman Run event has a significant impact on the community, both locally and nationally. The event raises awareness and funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which supports veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships and other programs. The event also provides an opportunity for people to come together and pay tribute to Pat Tillman’s memory, while promoting a culture of service and leadership. According to the foundation, the event has helped to raise over $1 million in a single year, with the majority of the funds going towards supporting the foundation’s programs.
Supporting the Pat Tillman Foundation
The Pat Tillman Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to honor Pat Tillman’s memory and continue his legacy of service and leadership. The foundation’s mission is to invest in veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships, and to promote a culture of service and leadership. The foundation provides scholarships to veterans and their spouses who are pursuing higher education, and also offers a range of programs and services to support their transition back to civilian life. In 2020, the foundation reported that it had a 94% scholarship retention rate, with the majority of scholars going on to pursue careers in fields such as education, healthcare, and technology.
The Pat Tillman Run event is an important part of the foundation's fundraising efforts, and helps to support the foundation's programs and services. The event also provides an opportunity for people to get involved and make a difference in the lives of veterans and their spouses. Whether you're a runner, a volunteer, or a spectator, the Pat Tillman Run event is a unique and inspiring experience that honors the memory of Pat Tillman and supports the foundation's mission.
What is the Pat Tillman Run event?
+The Pat Tillman Run event is a 4.2-mile charity run held annually in Tempe, Arizona, to honor the memory of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman.
What is the mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation?
+The mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation is to invest in veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships, and to promote a culture of service and leadership.
How can I get involved in the Pat Tillman Run event?
+You can get involved in the Pat Tillman Run event by registering to run, volunteering, or donating to the Pat Tillman Foundation. You can also attend the event as a spectator and show your support for the foundation’s mission.
