Pat's Run

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Sports & AdventureTempe
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
CrowdSmallAbout 30,000 people
Best forCompetition, endurancePat's Run carries a specificity that most
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Pat's Run in Tempe

Pat's Run is a 4.2-mile run and walk held every April in Tempe, founded in 2004 by friends and family of Pat Tillman, the former Arizona State and Arizona Cardinals safety who left his NFL career to join the Army Rangers and was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. The course finishes on the 42-yard line of Sun Devil Stadium, honoring Tillman's jersey number, and now draws nearly 30,000 participants each year.

Pat Tillman walked away from a lucrative NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals after the September 11 terrorist attacks, enlisting in the U.S.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Pat's Run carries a specificity that most memorial charity runs lack, from its exact 4

02

The mystery stays covered

mile distance to its finish line, both chosen to honor Pat Tillman's number 42 jersey worn during his Arizona State football career

03

The city starts moving

Co-founder Perry Edinger, a friend and former head athletic trainer at ASU, developed the course concept himself, designing a loop around Arizona State's campus that concludes with participants crossing the 42-yard line inside Sun Devil Stadium, the same field where Tillman once played

04

The water draws everyone in

That personal, deliberately symbolic design has helped the run grow from a small memorial gathering shortly after Tillman's 2004 death into an event drawing nearly 30,000 participants annually

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The run continues the memory of Pat Tillman

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the Arizona State and Arizona Cardinals safety who left professional football to serve as an Army Ranger

The sacred route

Living ritual

through a course and finish line deliberately built around his number 42 jersey

The local code

Living ritual

and it maintains the Pat Tillman Foundation's mission of funding scholarships for veterans

Tradition 5

Living ritual

service members

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and military spouses

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Tempe to work differently.

What to wear

Athletic running or walking attire suited to a warm April morning in Tempe; layers help for an early start that warms quickly, and comfortable running shoes are essential for the 4.2-mile...

Safety

For Pat's Run, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Tempe, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.41 N, 111.91 WOpen in Google Maps

Tempe, AZ

Nearest airportPHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Tempe to work differently.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Tempe, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Tempe via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Tempe, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearAthletic running or walking attire suited to a warm April morning in Tempe; layers help for an early start that warms quickly, and comfortable running shoes are essential for the 4.2-mile course.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Pat's Run?

Pat's Run is listed for Past edition: 11 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Pat's Run take place?

The festival is listed in Tempe, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Tempe, AZ

How big is it?

Small: 30000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLpattillmanfoundation.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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