Pat Tillman's Legacy Lives On Through Annual Pat's Run

The 21st annual event honors the former ASU and Cardinals player's commitment to service and community.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective scene of a running event, with overlapping planes of navy, green, and red conveying the energy and movement of the participants.The annual Pat's Run event honors the enduring legacy of former NFL player Pat Tillman, who gave up his football career to serve in the Army.Chandler Today

The annual Pat's Run event, now in its 21st year, continues to honor the legacy of former Arizona State and NFL player Pat Tillman, who gave up his football career to serve in the U.S. Army after 9/11. The 4.2-mile run, organized by the Pat Tillman Foundation, has invested over $40 million in academic scholarships and leadership development for nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars, service members, veterans, and military spouses. The event draws tens of thousands of participants and volunteers who come together to reflect on Tillman's values of service, humility, and making a difference.

Why it matters

Pat Tillman's decision to leave the NFL to serve his country after 9/11 made him a symbol of selflessness and sacrifice. The annual Pat's Run event keeps his legacy alive by inspiring others to embody those same values of service and community. The event's growth over the past 21 years demonstrates the enduring impact Tillman had, both on and off the field.

The details

The 4.2-mile Pat's Run course winds through the streets of Tempe, Arizona, finishing at the 42-yard line of Mountain America Stadium, a nod to Tillman's ASU jersey number. In addition to the main event, there are over 30 'honor run' locations across the country where people can participate. The run is organized by the Pat Tillman Foundation, which has used the event to raise over $40 million for academic scholarships and leadership development programs for Tillman Scholars - service members, veterans, and military spouses.

  • The 21st annual Pat's Run will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026.
  • The inaugural Pat's Run was held in 2005, just a year after Tillman's death in Afghanistan in 2004.

The players

Pat Tillman

Former Arizona State and NFL player who gave up his football career to serve in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks, and was killed by friendly fire while deployed in Afghanistan in 2004.

Gina Bertocchi

A kindergarten teacher at Kyrene Traditional Elementary Academy in Chandler, Arizona, who had Tillman visit her classroom every year to read with students and eventually give them a signed football.

Perry Edinger

A close friend of Tillman's and a co-founder of the annual Pat's Run event.

Troy Takesian

A member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Arizona State University who is running in Pat's Run for the first time to honor Tillman's legacy of service.

Greg Powers

The head coach of the Arizona State University men's hockey team, whose players volunteer at the Pat's Run event each year.

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What they’re saying

“'Pat would come in when he was on the Cardinals, and there were many times the kids would say things that would catch him off guard. One year, a student asked him how many interceptions he had. He said 'Well, none,' but (he promised that after) the next one he would bring the football to the class.'”

— Gina Bertocchi, Kindergarten teacher

“'It means a lot to me personally. Pat was obviously a great example of sacrificing yourself for something greater. He stopped playing football to enlist himself in the military and become a Ranger. As someone who wants to continue on that legacy of service in the future, this run is important to me.'”

— Troy Takesian, ROTC member at Arizona State University

“'It's become an annual tradition with ASU hockey and is such an honor to be associated with the event in any way possible. Pat embodies everything we want our young men to be about. If we can field a team half as selfless as Pat was, success at the highest level will follow.'”

— Greg Powers, Head coach, Arizona State University men's hockey team

What’s next

The 21st annual Pat's Run will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026, drawing tens of thousands of participants and volunteers to Tempe, Arizona to honor Pat Tillman's legacy.

The takeaway

Through the annual Pat's Run event, the legacy of Pat Tillman - a former NFL player who gave up his career to serve his country - continues to inspire people across Arizona and the nation to embody his values of service, sacrifice, and making a positive impact on their communities.