Tillman Scholars Celebrate Community at Annual Pat's Run

The 4.2-mile race honors the legacy of former NFL player Pat Tillman, who gave up his career to serve in the Army.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a running race, with the figures and landscape broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and community of the event.The annual Pat's Run in Tempe, Arizona, brings together a diverse community to honor the legacy of Pat Tillman and the Tillman Scholars who embody his values.Tempe Today

The annual Pat's Run in Tempe, Arizona, draws 30,000 participants each year to honor the legacy of former NFL player Pat Tillman, who left his football career to serve in the Army after 9/11. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Tillman Scholars program, which supports active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses in their academic pursuits. A group of 50 Tillman Scholars volunteer as corral leaders, helping to guide runners across the finish line and connecting with the diverse community of participants.

Why it matters

The Pat's Run event and the Tillman Scholars program aim to continue Tillman's legacy of leadership, humility, and a belief in striving for something greater than oneself. The scholars, who are high-achieving individuals from various backgrounds, embody these values through their academic and professional accomplishments, as well as their commitment to serving their communities.

The details

The Pat's Run event began in 2004 as a small gathering of Tillman's friends following his death in Afghanistan. Over the years, it has grown into a 4.2-mile run/walk that attracts 30,000 participants annually. The Tillman Scholars program was created in 2009 to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses in their academic pursuits. Each year, 50 Tillman Scholars volunteer as corral leaders at the race, helping to guide runners across the finish line and connecting with the diverse community of participants.

  • Pat's Run began in 2004 to honor the legacy of Pat Tillman.
  • The Tillman Scholars program was created in 2009.

The players

Pat Tillman

A former NFL player who gave up his multimillion-dollar career to serve in the Army after the 9/11 attacks. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004.

Tillman Scholars

A group of high-achieving individuals, including active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses, who are supported by the Tillman Scholars program in their academic pursuits. They embody Tillman's values of leadership, humility, and a commitment to serving something greater than themselves.

Katherine Steele

The CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation and a Tillman Scholar.

Jason Williams

A Tillman Scholar and doctorate candidate at UCLA working on reimagining raw materials for the health and wellness industry.

Amanda Manke

A Tillman Scholar and the chief of staff to the CEO of Care Delivery Markets (NY/NJ) at Optum.

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What they’re saying

“I had major imposter syndrome after getting selected to this program. I looked at a lot of their profiles and it just seemed like every person was like a superhero, but when you actually get there, not only are they amazing on paper, they're amazing people. I don't know what they do in their selection process to find these people.”

— Jason Williams, Tillman Scholar and doctorate candidate at UCLA

“It's this almost kind of a coming home right to where it all started. We're here as Tillman Scholars because Pat lived, so to be able to be a part of it and be embedded with 30,000 people, in those corrals is special.”

— Katherine Steele, Pat Tillman Foundation CEO and Tillman Scholar

“Every time I go there, it's just so energizing. That organization gave me something 11 years ago and it wasn't just the scholarship. It was the community and the people that I've met along the way, the lives that have changed.”

— Amanda Manke, Tillman Scholar and chief of staff to the CEO of Care Delivery Markets (NY/NJ) at Optum

The takeaway

The annual Pat's Run event and the Tillman Scholars program serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have, even after their passing. By honoring Tillman's legacy of service, leadership, and a commitment to something greater than oneself, the Tillman Scholars are inspired to carry on his values and make a positive difference in their communities and the world.