The 20th Pat's Run was Saturday at Arizona State, its 4.2-mile course wrapping up inside Sun Devil Stadium. I am proud to have participated and volunteered in 15. For the two that weren't in person because of the pandemic, I signed up and did a run in my neighborhood. The first race had about 5,000 participants; that number has grown to more than 30,000 annually. It is not just the four-plus miles that draw as much as the legacy of Tillman, who starred at ASU (wearing No. 42, hence the 4.2 miles) before going from seventh-round Cardinal's draft pick to starting safety to turning down a $3.6 million free-agent contract in 2002 to join the Army Rangers. in April of 2004, he was killed in action. Following Tillman's death, a handful of friends came together to come up with an event to honor him. A year later, the first Pat's Run was held. The Pat Tillman Foundation was created to assist active military personnel, military spouses, and veterans with scholarships. Tillman is a good reminder and inspiration for me in what he stood for. read more

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They did a wonderful job making sure everyone who participated was safe and healthy. Water and nurse station throughout the run too. Got a bid crowded at certain points. Overall a great experience! read more

This year was my first Pat's Run and it certainly won't be my last! This fun 4.2-mile race takes you through Tempe and ASU's campus, with the finish line being on the famous Kush Field! There is a bit of up-and-downhill action on the north side of Tempe Town Lake so be sure to pace yourself in preparation. I was unable to accomplish my goal of running the whole thing (no stops) but still got my fastest time for that distance yet! I will be back for vengeance next year hehe! A few important things to note: *Pick up your gear a few days before race day to ensure you're ready to go! *Make sure you provide an accurate (or as close as possible) time for appropriate corral placement. Being slower than the others in your corral may leave you in the way of others with faster paces. Please be considerate! *Be sure to check out all the vendors after the race! Plenty of freebies to be had! read more

You don't have to be an Arizona native to know who Pat Tillman is. A college and NFL football star that turned down a big payday to join the Rangers after the 911 attacks. Pat died in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan. For those of us that are natives, Pat Tillman was much more. He was both courageous on the field and off the field. He spoke his mind, was a leader and stood up for what was right. He demonstrated all this by not sitting still and taking action. I was student at ASU during Pat's years as a football player. He was one of my favorites and I will always remember the team (along with Jake Plummer) that took us to the 1997 Rose Bowl. I was also an Arizona Cardinals season ticket holder (yes ... during those grueling hot days at Sun Devil stadium) during Pat's days there as well. Pat Tillman has become a symbol to those of us here in the Valley of the Sun and his death affected us all. Pat's Run was created to honor his legacy and held its inaugural event in 2005. I had the opportunity to run the first run and have made it an annual tradition ever since. The first event drew 5,000 people. Today Pat's Run now draws 28,000 people and is one the largest runs in the state. It's amazing to see the support of the community for this run and the impact it has made. All proceeds of the run go to support the Pat Tillman organization. Their mission is to unite and empower military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self by making a difference in the fields of medicine, law, business, technology, education, the arts and more (from website). It's a great cause and has made a huge difference in raising up future leaders through its scholarship program. The run/walk itself is 4.2 miles (Pat's college number) and takes place around Sun Devil stadium. It's not the easiest of runs as there are lots of hills to climb around Tempe Town Lake and you have to navigate through the large amounts of runners/walkers. The part I enjoy is running across Mill Ave Bridge and getting views of the lake and the stadium. I also love seeing the military personal that come out to run in uniform. There is also a kid's run that follows the main run for the little ones. They usually invite a local celebrity to start the race. Past celebrities include David Johnson, Herm Edwards and the late Bruce Snyder. The ASU football team is present at the finish line to give you high fives and a medal is awarded to all those that finish the run. I am thankful for Pat Tillman and for the impact he personally made on my life and to honor his legacy by running this event every year. read more

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Considering the amount of people that run this race, all doing the same distance, it was extremely well organized. There were parts where I felt like I could run faster but the crowd held me back. But that should be expected at a race this size. The route was a nice challenge with some fun hills. And running into the stadium for the finish line was such an experience! This will be a race I do year after year. Can't ask for more than to run in honor of such an amazing American! read more

Pat's Run - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

The cause and organization deserve 5 stars but the race itself was a little chaotic. I think the course it's not fit for 30,000 people. I'm not a fast runner but it was a serious annoyance to have walkers and people with strollers in the earliest corrals. They were supposed to be at the last one. While I love the congenial and family atmosphere, what bothers me is that they put others at risk. If you you're walking, keep to the sides, and for Pete's sake if you're walking with a stroller, don't stop suddenly!! I almost fell over a woman that did this at one of the narrow turns. All in all, it was a good experience, but I think next year I'm donating and but not running. read more

Always a fun time. This is for 2017 race. I still never understand why runners with a 12,000 number bib want to be the first corral. This year, the course was run in reverse and it was a nice change. I think I did better this year than last year. This year, they incorporated finishers medals for every participant, which is cool. And a free beer, but now that I think about it, we never found the free tent! Sold out this year so buy early for next year. read more

The kids fun run was the highlight of the day for sure. Letting your 3 year old experience running their race and ending in Sun Devil Stadium is priceless. Such and amazing atmosphere at the 5k as well. This is a great family event and run for an amazing cause. Overall well organized and plenty of amenities for runners pre/post race. Looking forward to next years run already. read more

Pat's Run - Great kids fun running! All participants get a bib and shirt. - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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awesome but be prepared for it to be crazy crowded. This is NOT the race to do a PR. the atmosphere is fantastic and the expo at the end is fun. Plus the finish line is in Sun Devil Stadium. Be prepared to either park far away and walk in or take the light rail. And don't count on your phone working since 20,000 other people are trying to use theirs too. Be prepared to wait for your corral to start. Don't lie to get into a faster corral. Then you're just clogging up the course with your slowness. This is a fun race with a fun atmosphere. My only criticism is that packet pickup is not convenient. You have 3 days to choose from, with 2 days closing at 6pm and one at 7pm. Those of us who work in the day can't possibly get across town by 6pm so we have a 1 hour window to get our packets on the day it's open until 7pm. read more

This a great run with an unforgettable finish line! I highly recommend it to first time runners even though it's longer than your typical 5k. You can always feel the energy when you arrive at this event and you're serving a wonderful local cause. The only downside is that the number of people will slow you down if you're trying to go fast. My advice: Have fun and finish with drinks on Mill Ave! read more

This is was my 1st time doing Pat's Run; I went with about 13 of my fellow coworkers, it was a good race, only one small issue, I am a walker so I didn't start the race until an hour after it officially started, which wasn't the issue, when we got to the 1st mile marker at the water tables, the 1st 2 tables were yelling at racers go to the end, this is for vip racers, wow, yelling at us? Water is water, let them drink. That was the only issue I had. I would do the race again next year! read more

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Let me start by saying this is one of my favorite runs. Not just in Arizona, but around the country. The atmosphere is incredible, the finish is one of the best I have experienced. Nothing quite like coming up the ramp, through the tunnel and sprinting down the football field, getting high fives from ASU football players while you are on the jumbo-tron. The race has grown from 5000 in the first year to well over 25,000 this year (although the announcer indicated the 2010 race topped 30,000) The race directors have learned and grown over the years. No timing chips the first year, but since then they have been added. Regular shirt in year one, now technical shirts - and this year's was one of the best looking. Everyone has been herded together in the past, but this year the corral was introduced. The lineup, the course, the volunteers and the event itself are top tier. One tip - get there early - way early because there is limited parking. If you think you can show up a little before the run, chances are you will be disappointed. The Scottsdale exit gets blocked and the 202 backs up. Save some time and park somewhere that will allow you to take the light rail. Big headache averted. If I love this run so much, why only 3 stars? While the event itself is wonderful and the community gives incredible support, the exit plan is a huge fail. Crossing the finish line people stand on the field and get in the way. There is one little gate at the back to funnel all 25,000-30,000 people. Yes, they do not all arrive at once, but people lolly-gag and it backs up. When you get through the gate, many people turn right because it is wide open and looks like you can take the ramp out of the stadium; however, those gates are not open and there is no exit. The only exit is through that gate and up the stairs to the second floor. Try climbing those stairs while people are standing around, taking pictures of themselves and others are getting drinks from the second level and trying to come back down the stairs. Then once on the second level, it is still crowded. In fact, it often takes longer to exit the stadium than it does to run the race. Recommendation to the run committee for next year: Open the back gate so that some of the traffic is alleviated. If a clear and quick exit can be created, this will be a solid 5 star event. read more

Pat's Run - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Best run ever! It may not be the longest but it sure was fun, and what a great cause! Only complaint I have (and I hate to complain about this cause) When people sign up they for some reason like to put down that they are great runners with great times so they get put in the front of the group, well after the first mile they give up and walk, making obstacle for the rest of us. If you have a chance to do this race, DO IT! read more

First timer here! I was talked into doing this run with a coworker who didn't even end up signing up to do it after I did, so I thought, "Whatever! I'm still doing it!" Luckily, another friend of mine who runs all the time decided to do it with me, and so I'm glad were able to go together. I really didn't know what to expect. I definitely didn't expect there would be 20-something corrals. My friend signed up that she ran 9 min miles and I signed up that I did 10:30-11 min miles. That placed her in the 5th corral and my time placed me in the 22nd corral. She decided to wait in my corral with me and that forced her to wait a whole hour for my corral to start. The first few corrals were done by the time we started and the corral waiting areas were so packed like sardines. It felt great to finally start jogging/running and some of the "runners" in the earlier corrals were already walking about 5-10 minutes in, so I was surprised. This just meant there was a bit more weaving involved, but oh well, I was glad to see there were so many people in support of this run.I enjoyed finishing the run in the stadium. I've never been in a run where you end up in a stadium. There's people up on the bleachers and people everywhere on the grass. The support was great in there when you were done! I The shirts given this year were really nice. They were almost like that dry fit material instead of just cheap cotton. I showed my brother-in-law the shirt, and he joked and said that he would do the run just for that cool shirt since it is only $35 to enter the run and shirts like that usually cost close to that. There were tons of vendors there to explore when done with the race. Our favorite vendor was Chick-Fil-A, because they were handing out free chicken sandiwiches!! Of course, once people found out that they were doing that, people started stalking the Chick-Fil-A truck. The volunteer/workers at Chick-Fil-A had to be more discreet about passing the sandwiches out and take little rolling coolers and sneak around the back of the truck to get to other parts of the crowd. Jamba Juice was dependable as it has been at other runs I've been to, and they had no shortage of free jamba juice! Overall, great time and unique experience ending in the Sun Devil Stadium (which I am hesitant to say since I am a diehard Wildcat alumni...) Helpful hint: The sun felt more intense each mile into the race, so next time I am bringing a Waterpak! You should too if you decide to do it! read more

Another successful year! This was my 5th time running. As usual it is too big for such a small course, but I understand why they wouldn't want to cut it off at a smaller number. You definitely do not run this race to make a time goal, especially if you are a slower runner as I am. Good or bad, rain or shine, I will always participate in this run, because the cause it more important than anything. read more

Pat's Run - Me and my daughter after the 10th annual Pat's Run. Good morning! - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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The run was really well organized. We placed ourselves in the wrong starting stall because we had never run the race before. We finished much faster than those in our stall, but we know where to place ourselves next year. The finish line is amazing and there were ample drinks/fruit for all the finishers. We took the advice on the website and rode the light rail to the race, but we wish we would have known to buy light rail tickets in advance. The line was a bout 100 people long when we got to the station. I think they should include in the suggestions for people to buy their light rail ticket in advance. We almost got there late due to waiting in line for a ticket! Some of the course also seemed a little too skinny for all the people running. It was hard to keep a steady pace when I constantly had to maneuver around slower runners. read more

My first race 2013. Really only my second marathon in my entire life. One was years ago when I was much younger and only for a mile. I hobbled through this one walking. We ran a short while but mostly we laughed and snapped pics along the pretty route. And such beautiful weather!!! Last year it was hot but this year was perfect! All abilities are welcome at Pat's Run. They even have a wheelchair and kids race. Participating in this event is an honor. It is the least I can do when I think about what soldiers do daily to keep me safe. This is an outstanding race with tons of energy and fun! Lots of Freebies at the Expo before and after. Everyone is soooooo nice. Tempe Police were wonderful! I never felt safer and respected. People watching is fun. What the runners wear is so wonderful, and at times a bit odd, but I suppose that is part of the fun and tribute. I saw a man who had on a military uniform but his head was missing and replaced with a robot helmet. Very cool! I saw another man in a spandex suit. All Spandex red, white and blue. Teehee! Some fireman walked in full hazard gear. My walking partner, a fireman's daughter, said that was pretty crazy and dangerous. Everyone wants to do their small part to honor the fallen. Who everyone is walking for is inspirational to read about and hear the stories. Lots of Boston love! Honoring Tillman is a humbling and awe inspiring event. I passed out water last year with the USO and I wanted to participate in the race this year even though I do not run. I walked the entire 4.2 miles with a broken shoe and a hole worn straight through my socks. lol! In regards to some other comments made by other reviewers. The stroller issue has been resolved this year. I had no problems with getting water and was a water passer outer last year. I never heard of a VIP table for water as Monica said. I am not sure what that was all about but again I was at mile marker 3 with water. The fee is 45 dollars. I do not think that is very high for a charity run. Also, that fee more than pays itself with the freebies and discounts the participants get in the virtual Goodie Bag. In fact I contributed more. I have to say the sense of community was great. Other racers were so friendly. The folks at the Expo were wonderful and generous. All in all, I was honored to participate and show some love for a true American hero. read more

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This race has grown exponentially since 2005. This is a great short course (4.2 miles) through Tempe, across the river and back to Sun Devil Stadium. some years there is a really cool bag pipe player that resembled Pat with long flowing hair as you are running through the tunnel to the finish line...was pretty cool AND LOUD. Gets your attention why you are running the race in the first place. The pipes were unfortunately not played this past race (April 2013) but hopeful for a return next April. read more

Pat's Run - Tough to sprint this race as there are approx. 28,000-32,000 participants you have to navigate through in a short distance - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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What an awesome race/walk!!!! This event is well organized and very easy course. Expect a lot of corrals though! That's the hardest part is waiting to start if you are in a higher corral because there is so much energy you just want to start sprinting!! The kids run is great too! Fun event, fun day and great cause!! read more

This was a well organized run with a great turnout. 2013 was my first year running and I plan to continue running in future races! This is a great cause, the entrance fee is very affordable and most importantly, the run s a wonderful showing of support for the memory of Pat Tillman. read more

Pat's run is the first 5k I ever did and it was the best experience ever. I did this run very un healthy, didn't know what I was doing, my sister just got me to sign up since she was volunteering. The organization is beyond the best I've seen in 5ks (I've done a lot now) and the shirts are always great quality and not to mention running the path in Tempe is awesome. It's always a filling and almost emotional moment finishing the racr at the finish line. I love this race and encourage everyone to do it. I'm a runner now! This will be my fourth year in a row. Everyone should experience this 5k (4.2 miles) read more

Great event, good cause, good run. Nice mini-tour through Tempe (4.2 miles) to honor Pat Tillman #42. The run is scenic, plenty of water available and tons of sponsors giving away free stuff. Very crowded now a days, but that is to be expected. Pick up your tag and shirt days before the event though to avoid the chaos. Overall a well organized event and a well known Tempe tradition. read more

Not satisfied with the organization communication this year! It's great that they change locations for venders and volunteers but communication is vital if you want to keep your volunteers happy. read more

This was my second year running Pat's run. Love this event, the volunteers do a great job on cheering you on and helping you out. Love the atmosphere and watching thousands of people gathering for a great cause! I do agree that there are a few narrow areas that should be worked on and the walkers should stay with the walkers! It is very hard to try to improve your time when there are a lot of walkers in your way. read more

One of the most emotional, uplifting and motivating runs anyone can attend. I've run this short route for 3 years now and I'm always impressed at the level of the participation, the great organization and the great cause Pat's Run is for. Running through the tunnel at the end of the race and entering Sun Devil Stadium is an experience you never forget. At the start of the race you see runners , firefighters, soldiers, young and old, all waiting to participate. The start of the race begins with a moment of silence and playing of our national anthem by a trumpeter. The 30,000 plus crowd is so quiet you can hear a pin drop. It's very emotional. read more

Its a great event and very well organized. Seems like it keeps growing every year.

DO NOT TAKE THIS RACE SERIOUS! There, I said it! If you're a serious runner, do NOT expect to have a good time. Here a few reasons why this race has a lot negatives to it! I. Almost all of the racers lie: Yes, you'll see people in higher starting corrals that are either 400 + LB's , are walkers, or have strollers the size of a Buick! It's okay for people to finish in whatever time they choose. Everyone has different talents. Just don't f'ing lie about it and cause us serious runners to have a shittier run because your fat disgusting slow ass didn't know how to math properly... II. Lack of port-o-potties: Do NOT expect to use the bathroom pre-race at any of the bathrooms otherwise you'll miss the race. There was at least an hour long wait to take a piss. Because of this, I had to piss at mile 2 and add 45-60 seconds onto my time. III. Tight course: There are tons of areas that are too tight to accommodate the 30k + runners. They seriously need to admit that this race has overgrown it's current layout. IV. Course layout sucks: One thing I never understood is why they couldn't have the course embrace more of ASU's campus. You'd think the course should run more through the campus but it doesn't at all. Instead, you're on a shitty course through highways and scummy south Scottsdale. V. This year's finish line sucks: Now, this is completely a one-off but I just wanted to add to it that due to the ASU north endzone construction, the finish line was outside of the stadium. Not something to be of concern but it was worth mentioning. Will be moot for future races. Onto the good. I. The race shirts rock: Yes, the shirts are always awesome. They have a perfect fit and they're quite fashionable IMO. II. ASU football: It's great to see Todd Graham and the ASU football players embracing the runners at the end of the race. Coach Graham usually runs it but I was unsure if he did it this year or not. Still great to see them cheering everyone on at the finish line. III. The cause is great: Yes, it's great that it goes to support Tillman Scholars for those who are in our armed forces. You guys and gals rock and are heroes! In summary, this course has many negatives, and a good amount of positives. This course is ideal for people whose goal is to simply finish the race. For those serious runners out there, I'd suggest skipping it or go into the race with the attitude that it's a "fun run." This was my third year in a row for Pat's Run. Although I did my fair amount of bitching about it, I'll probably sign up again since I'm a sucker for a race and especially one that offers nice race shirts. Just wish the previous mentioned asshole slow runners, who LIED about their times, would stop screwing the race up!!! read more

Best place to hang out with your friends and meet new friends while exercise for a good cause.

Great cause to run for and a decent course through Tempe. The shirts weren't as great this year but the expo is pretty neat. All the volunteers were AMAZING! I would recommend they consider a proof of time system moving forward. Lots of walkers in front in front corrals that caused some roadblocks due to 3-5 walking side by side in the race. Around 27k participated this year so some corral review would be nice, nice race though and will probably do again, just not a race to run for time unless you're in the front 5 corrals. Very awesome finish! read more

Best race in the country -- they'll take great care of you! the energy is incredible!! Extra bonus--all the great fun afterwards, expo, tons of things for the kiddos! great for the whole family. hope i can run it for the rest of my life! pt42 read more

I have done the race several times. Great cause and very pretty course, but not what I would call a well run event. The last time I participated I waited in my "coral" more than an hour in the very hot sun from the time I Should have started before I could actually start. I think they could have done a better job at calculating my "start time" so I didn't have to wait this unbearable hot sun for such a long period of time. I will pass on this event in the future. Maybe the organizers will smarten up and limit registration numbers to match the capacity of the course and area. read more