Tillman Scholars Celebrate Community at Annual Pat's Run

The annual 4.2-mile race honors the legacy of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:24pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a running shoe repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the iconic imagery of the annual Pat's Run event and capturing the celebratory energy of the community gathering.The annual Pat's Run event celebrates the legacy of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, drawing thousands of participants from all walks of life to honor his spirit of service and community.Tempe Today

The Tillman Scholars program, created in 2009 to support active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses in their academic pursuits, gathers annually at the Pat's Run event in Tempe, Arizona. The 4.2-mile run/walk honors the life and service of Pat Tillman, who left a multimillion-dollar NFL career to serve in the Army after 9/11. The Tillman Scholars, a community of high-achieving students and professionals, volunteer as corral leaders at the event, connecting with participants from all walks of life and sharing Tillman's values of excellence, leadership and selflessness.

Why it matters

The Pat's Run event and the Tillman Scholars program serve as a way to keep Tillman's legacy alive and inspire others to follow in his footsteps of service and giving back to the community. The annual gathering allows the Tillman Scholars to connect with each other and the broader community, reinforcing the values that brought them together.

The details

Each year, 50 Tillman Scholars volunteer as corral leaders at the Pat's Run event, helping to urge runners across the final 50 yards to the finish line inside the Arizona State University football stadium where Tillman once played. The Tillman Scholars, who include doctors, CEOs, lawyers, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, reflect Tillman's values through their own achievements and community service work.

  • The Pat's Run event has been held annually since 2004.
  • The Tillman Scholars program was created in 2009.

The players

Pat Tillman

Former NFL player who left his multimillion-dollar career to serve in the Army, and was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004. The annual Pat's Run event honors his legacy.

Tillman Scholars

A community of high-achieving active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses who are supported by the Tillman Scholars program in their academic pursuits. They volunteer at the annual Pat's Run event.

Katherine Steele

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 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

What’s next

The Pat Tillman Foundation will continue to support the academic and leadership development of Tillman Scholars, who will in turn continue to volunteer and participate in the annual Pat's Run event to honor Tillman's legacy.

The takeaway

The Tillman Scholars program and the annual Pat's Run event demonstrate how one person's life and values can inspire a community of high-achieving individuals to make a positive impact on the world. The Tillman Scholars embody Tillman's spirit of service, excellence and selflessness, and their annual gathering is a testament to the lasting influence of his example.