News Summary
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham is set to be the official race starter for the 21st Annual Pat’s Run, which honors the legacy of Pat Tillman. Taking place on April 12, 2025, the event includes various race categories, attracting over 30,000 participants each year. Participants engage in a 4.2-mile run, symbolizing Tillman’s jersey number. This community event also supports nearly 1,000 scholarship recipients to continue Tillman’s values of leadership and service.
Arizona – The 21st Annual Pat’s Run will feature Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham as the official race starter. This announcement was made on February 20, 2025, through a video shared on the social media platform X, highlighting Dillingham’s eagerness to participate in an event honoring the remarkable legacy of Pat Tillman.
Scheduled for April 12, 2025, the race will take place at East Rio Salado Parkway and South Packard Drive, starting at 7:05 a.m. and concluding at Mountain America Stadium. The event features various race categories, including wheelchair and children’s races, along with a traditional 4.2-mile course. The number 4.2 is significant as it commemorates Tillman’s jersey number, which is synonymous with his identity both at Arizona State and for the Arizona Cardinals, where he played from 1998 to 2001.
Every year, Pat’s Run attracts over 30,000 participants, including some Sun Devil football players who will join Dillingham in the race. This engaging community event not only promotes athleticism but also embodies the spirit of leadership and service that Pat Tillman stood for throughout his life and career.
The Legacy of Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman is remembered for his athletic accomplishments and his heroic service to the country. A linebacker at Arizona State from 1995 to 1997, Tillman recorded an impressive 230 tackles and was recognized as the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1997, alongside earning first-team All-American honors. His dedication to the sport was honored by the retirement of his jersey number 42 by Arizona State.
After four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, in which he accumulated 374 total tackles and 2.5 sacks, Tillman made the significant choice to leave his football career behind to enlist in the Army Rangers following the events of September 11, 2001. He served in Iraq for tours in both 2003 and 2004. Tragically, Tillman was killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Posthumously, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his brave service.
Impact of Pat’s Run
Pat’s Run has become an influential event that honors Tillman’s memory by supporting nearly 1,000 scholarship recipients each year. These individuals are chosen for exemplifying the values of leadership and community service that Tillman personified. The funds raised through the race provide educational opportunities to those who embody his spirit and commitment to service.
The Pat Tillman Foundation continues to carry forward Tillman’s vision of empowering future leaders, helping them to pursue their educational and career goals while fostering a sense of camaraderie and support within the community of individuals who carry forward his legacy.
As the run approaches, excitement builds around the participation of Dillingham, who views the event as a significant moment not only to celebrate an iconic figure in sports history but also to reinforce the importance of community service and perseverance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Arizona Sports: Pat’s Run Announcement
- Wikipedia: Pat Tillman
- Sun Devils: Spirit Squad
- Google Search: Pat Tillman Legacy
- Arizona Sports: Suns Play Approach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona State University
