# 2026 Pat's Run draws thousands of runners to honor Pat Tillman's legacy

### Actor, comedian and veteran Rob Riggle kicked off this year's event as the official race starter

By Lisa Robbins, ASU News
April 12, 2026

Nearly 30,000 race participants wound their way through the streets of Tempe on April 11 for the 22nd annual Pat's Run.

The event is the signature fundraiser for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which honors the legacy of the late football player and Army Ranger.

This year, the race was kicked off by actor, comedian and veteran Rob Riggle, who also ran alongside participants. Riggle is a former Marine who served in Afghanistan and Liberia. He is known for his work on "The Daily Show" and "Saturday Night Live" and for films such as "Step Brothers" and "The Hangover."

Pat's Run is one of the largest races in the country, hosting about 30,000 runners who make their way through downtown Tempe each year. In addition, dozens of honor runs are held around the country.

The race stretches 4.2 miles, ending at the 42-yard line inside Mountain America Stadium, in recognition of Tillman's ASU jersey number, 42.

Tillman played football for ASU and the Arizona Cardinals before leaving his NFL career to serve in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks. He died in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2004.

At the end of the race, runners received finisher medals as they make their way to the Tillman Tailgate. The post-race tailgate event featured food and live music by local group Azz Izz.

This story originally appeared on ASU News.