Everything you need to know for the 21st annual Pat’s Run in Tempe
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) —Thousands of people will soon come together to run in honor of an Arizona legend.
The 21st annual Pat’s Run returns on Saturday, April 12, at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. The run pays tribute to Pat Tillman and raises money for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which helps provide scholarships to military service members and veterans. Tillman was an ASU graduate, football player and safety for the Arizona Cardinals who lost his life to friendly fire while deployed in Afghanistan.
See below for everything you need to know about this year’s Pat’s Run.
Packet Pickup
Participants can pick up their race packets at the bottom of the northeast staircase of Sun Devil Stadium at the following times:
- April 9: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April 10: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April 11: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weather
The forecast for Pat’s Run is looking nice. It’s expected to be about 72 degrees at the start of the race at 7 a.m. The temperature will rise to 87 for the kid’s race at 10 a.m., and the weather will continue to heat up from there.
Arizona’s Family has declared a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday due to the heat. The high for the day is expected to be around 100-101 degrees. See below for the Pat’s Run forecast.
Race Day Information
Arrive and park by 6 a.m. on April 12 for check-in. It is advised to arrive early! Wheelchair participants begin at 7 a.m., followed by the 4.2-mile runners and walkers at 7:05 a.m. The kids’ race will start at 10 a.m.
Seven corrals will be pre-assigned this year based on previous race finish times. Runners can move freely to any corral behind their assigned one without formal changes or proof of completion time but cannot move forward. Participants must wear their race bib to enter their corral.
Pat’s Run advises participants to adhere to the following race-day etiquette:
- Line up in assigned corral to ensure a smooth and safe start
- Respect participants and spectators: runners keep to the left, and walkers must stay right
- Follow court marshals’ instructions
- Stay hydrated
- Do not litter: use the trash bins and recyclables
All racers will go through security before entering the race area. Prohibited items include:
- Bags
- Weapons
- Pets
- Drones
- Bicycles
- In-line skates
- Skateboards
- Scooters
- Motorized vehicles
Only essential items should be brought into the race, as no on-site storage is available.
Route
The 4.2-mile run/walk starts at Arizona State University on Packard Drive and Rio Salado Parkway and Rural Road. Runners will then go through the streets of Tempe and over Tempe Town Lake before ending inside Sun Devil Stadium.
The kid’s .42 mile will run from Rio Salado Parkway into Sun Devil Stadium. Members of the ASU football team will start the kids race and run along with them.
Race Starter: Kenny Dillingham
Arizona State University football coach Kenny Dillingham will start this year’s race. Dillingham was named the 2024 Big 12 Football Coach of the Year after getting the Sun Devils to their first College Football Playoff and first conference championship since 2007. He also established the Pat Tillman Leadership Council, a group of players selected by their teammates to honor and carry Pat’s legacy and leadership.
Dillingham’s family will join him as he gets the crowd hyped for the race. He and some of his players and fellow coaching staff will also be participating in the 4.2-mile run.
Parking and Transportation
Free parking is available in parking garages and lots around ASU. However, spaces are limited. Traffic will also become congested due to the race. It is encouraged to carpool, walk, bike or take the Valley Metro light rail to the event.
For more information on the street closures and transit impacts, click/tap here.
Spectators
Enter and exit through the north-end zone staircase.
For ADA accessibility, email patsrun@pattillmanfoundation.org for accommodations.
Exiting the Stadium
Participants can exit through the northwest tunnel of the stadium to receive their medal and then head to lot 59 for the Tillman Tailgate.
Results
Results can be found on the Pat’s Run Results Page. Click on the ‘+’ sign on the search bar, enter your registration information, then enter your time on your profile and click submit. The QR Code on the back of the race bib will show live results. Photos will be posted within 24 hours of the race.
New Tillman Tailgate
The post-run Tillman Tailgate will be an energetic way to end the morning! The tailgate will have food, drinks, and live music. A driver’s license or state/government-issued ID is needed for Tillman Tailgate beverages. All food trucks and vendors are cashless, and Venmo/PayPal will be available on-site. See the tailgate schedule below:
- 7:45 a.m.: Live DJ
- 8:45 a.m.: Awards for top 3 female and male finishers and Chair Awards
- 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Performances by a live band and DJ, food trucks and beer tickets
For more information on the 21st Annual Pat’s Run and to view this year’s digital program book, click/tap here.
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