Nearly 30,000 runners honor Pat Tillman’s legacy at 22nd annual Pat’s Run in Tempe

TEMPE, Ariz. — They came by the thousands — families, veterans, students and strangers who shared one thing in common: a name on a jersey, a story that never gets old and 4.2 miles of pavement between them and something bigger than themselves.

The 22nd annual Pat’s Run took over Tempe Saturday, drawing nearly 30,000 participants to one of the largest road races in the country — all in honor of Pat Tillman’s enduring legacy of service.

Pat Tillman walked away from a multi-million-dollar NFL career to join the U.S. Army following the September 11th attacks. He was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004 — an American hero who sacrificed everything.

Twenty-two years later, his name still stops people in their tracks. 

This year’s race starter was no stranger to service himself.

Marine veteran, actor and comedian Rob Riggle, known for The Hangover, Step Brothers and Saturday Night Live — didn’t just wave the flag and walk away. He ran all 4.2 miles alongside participants, honoring the jersey number 42 that inspired the race distance.

“I think the world of Pat Tillman,” Riggle said. “He’s an example of what leadership should look like and does look like.”

For Riggle, Pat Tillman represents something timeless.

“Someone who put service above self… who walked away from millions of dollars to serve his country, ultimately paying the ultimate price,” he said.

Riggle also spoke to the bigger mission behind the race.

“This event is going to raise a lot of money for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which is going to do wonderful things for our veterans… we need people like that who are willing to step up and be of service to their fellow man, and I think this foundation is doing a great job of making that happen.” 

Twenty-two years later, Pat’s Run has grown into something his family, teammates and fellow service members say he would have loved — not a memorial, but a movement.

Leading every corral Saturday were more than 50 Tillman Scholars — active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses — the living embodiment of the foundation’s mission: service before self.

Veteran Jesse Murphy said his motivation went beyond the finish line.

“For me it’s about supporting what he stood for, as well as the cadets that are here that are trying to become officers — and hoping that they gain those leadership skills that will help them succeed in life,” he said.

For many families, Pat’s Run isn’t just a race day — it’s a tradition.

“I’ve got a 20-year-old son, and he’s done this race many times,” one father said. “I think it’s helped him become a great leader in college and in his future.”

On the ASU campus, where Pat Tillman himself once played, Sun Devil athletes and families carry his number forward year after year.

After crossing the finish line, the celebration moved to the Tillman Tailgate, where live music and community filled the air.

Veteran Jeff Devore summed up what the day meant to so many.

“It’s something that you can give back to not only your community but to your country — and an opportunity to serve something higher than yourself,” he said.

Participant Javier Baca put it simply: “It’s a beautiful thing.”

The Pat Tillman Foundation says this year’s race was one of the largest in the event’s 22-year history.

To learn more, donate, or apply for a Tillman Scholarship, visit pattillmanfoundation.org.