Volunteers say legacy of Pat Tillman inspires them to serve every year
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — Pat’s Run will be held one week from today. On Saturday, April 12, thousands of runners will hit the streets of Tempe for the annual race.
Pat Tillman was a former Arizona State University and Arizona Cardinals football player who was killed in 2004 while serving in our military in Afghanistan. Ever since, the Valley has hosted the 4.2-mile race to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which awards scholarships and honors people who serve their community.
GUIDE: Everything you need to know for the 21st annual Pat’s Run
Many people volunteer in the months before Pat’s Run, a staple in Tempe every April. Dr. Amy Overlin is one of those volunteers.
“Everybody is out there because they believe in the Pat Tillman Run,” Dr. Overline said. “They believe in the foundation and his legacy.”
Overlin is the lead physician on the medical team that oversees any injuries on the streets during the event. Her main job is to ensure everybody is prepared and safe while running.
“We have over 24,000 people on a 4.2-mile course. Population density is a challenge. You can’t be everywhere at once,” she said.
Her team partners with first responders in the East Valley to ensure that anyone who needs assistance gets it. Dr. Overlin has been on the team since the event began. She says Pat’s heroic story inspires her to keep serving every year.
“It is very inspirational and that is why I continue to be the medical director. Because of the message of the Tillman Run. That’s what keeps me coming back every year, and is very rewarding to work with those like-minded people,” she said.
Dr. Overlin is also the head team physician for the Phoenix Mercury and the assistant team physician for the Suns. She wants to remind racers to hydrate, wear comfortable clothing, and wear broken-in shoes so they don’t get blisters.
Pat’s Run registration runs through next Friday at noon.
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