Photos: 20th annual Pat's Run celebrates Tillman's legacy
Pat’s Run attendees take off at the starting line for the 20th annual Pat's Run at Arizona State University in Tempe on April 13. The community event has grown over its 20 years of existence from 5,500 to nearly 30,000 participants. Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
Thousands of attendees came out to Tempe on April 13 to participate in the 20th annual Pat's Run — a 4.2-mile run/walk that honors the legacy of Pat Tillman, a former Sun Devil and professional football player who was killed by friendly fire while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan when he was 27.
The event is sponsored by the Pat Tillman Foundation and held at Arizona State University. This year's theme was "20 Years: One Legacy.
Since its inception, the event has grown from an attendance of 5,500 people to hosting nearly 30,000 athletes of all kinds, and also helps raise money to support the Pat Tillman Foundation’s Tillman Scholar program.
“To have 30,000 people 20 years later show up to honor him and the things he accomplished is amazing to me,” said Perry Edinger, Tillman’s friend and athletic trainer who has served on the Pat’s Run committee for two decades.
Read more about Pat's Run came together.
-
Perry Edinger, one of the founding members of Pat's Run, talks with runners before the 20th annual event April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Arizona Coyotes mascot Howler the Coyote, ASU mascot Sparky and Arizona Cardinals mascot Big Red gear up to start the 20th annual Pat's Run in Tempe on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
A Pat’s Run attendee holds an ASU pitchfork at the starting line on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Pat’s Run participants begin the 4.2-mile run/walk run — which starts and ends on ASU's Tempe campus — on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Participants run along Rural Road in Tempe during the 2024 Pat's Run. Both the length of the race (4.2 miles) and where it ends (the 42-yard line inside Mountain America Stadium) are in honor of the No. 42 jersey Pat Tillman wore while playing football for the Sun Devils.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Henry Sterling makes his way across the finish line at Mountain America Stadium as the first man to complete the 20th annual Pat's Run on April 13.
Photo by Chris Goulet/Arizona State University
-
Jessica McClain celebrates being the first woman to cross the finish line during Pat's Run on April 13.
Photo by Chris Goulet/Arizona State University
-
Attendees wave U.S. flags during the event honoring the legacy of Pat Tillman, who left a career in the NFL after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to serve in the U.S. Army.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Pat’s Run attendees race along a Tempe street. The event has grown from 5,500 to nearly 30,000 athletes of all kinds.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
A runner celebrates crossing the finish line at Mountain America Stadium during the 20th annual Pat's Run.
Photo by Chris Goulet/Arizona State University
-
WWII U.S. Marine Corps veteran Donald Ash, 99, is cheered on as he approaches the finish of Pat's Run at Mountain America Stadium.
Photo by Chris Goulet/Arizona State University
-
The ASU football team cheers on and greets participants in the final leg of Pat's Run on April 13.
Photo by Chris Goulet/Arizona State University
-
A Pat’s Run attendee poses with members of the ASU football team during the event on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Members of ASU's Air Force ROTC pose in front of a giant inflatable Sparky on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Young Pat’s Run attendees take part in the Kid's Run portion of the event on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Parents join their children for the Kid's Run race during the 20th annual Pat's Run.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
-
Pat’s Run attendees celebrate at the finish line at Mountain America Stadium on April 13.
Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University
More Sun Devil community
3 outstanding ASU alumni named The College Leaders of 2024
Three outstanding Arizona State University alumni from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be named as this year’s slate of The College Leaders. The honor recognizes alumni for their…
From mushy ice to Mullett Arena
Greg Powers rubbed the top of his head and smiled.Powers, Arizona State University’s hockey coach, had been asked to reflect on the 10th anniversary of ASU hockey becoming an NCAA Division I program…
Open Doors report: ASU’s doors are open to the world
For the fourth straight year, Arizona State University is being recognized as the top public university choice of international students by the Institute of International Education in its annual…