TEMPE, Ariz. — Pat’s Run and the cause it represents continue to grow in popularity. The 2018 run sold out weeks before the event, the earliest sellout in its history. Some 28,000 people gathered at Arizona State University on April 21 to take part in the 14th annual Pat’s Run. The 4.2-mile run is symbolic of the No. 42 jersey number that fallen American hero Pat Tillman used to don.
Runners from all walks of life gathered to remember Tillman while celebrating his legacy. Some walked to honor a soldier in their own family. Others ran to recognize Tillman’s sacrifices. Many participated as ASU alumni and wore their Sun Devils gear.
Many U-Haul Team Members based in the Valley are ASU graduates and take pride in sharing their alma mater with such an patriotic individual as Tillman.
Partners in the Community
Similar to the Pat Tillman Foundation, U-Haul also has a longstanding commitment to serving the community. U-Haul focuses its resources on assisting non-profit organizations that serve the most basic of human needs: food, clothing and shelter.
U-Haul also has a strong commitment to supporting our military and veteran organizations. The industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage was founded by a WWII Navy veteran and his wife in 1945. Today, U-Haul continues to assist veterans through is charitable affiliations and sponsorship efforts. The Company also shows its support through its concerted efforts to recruit and hire veterans. U-Haul has been recognized repeatedly as one of the top veteran-friendly employers in the U.S.
U-Haul has partnered with Pat’s Run in support of the Tillman Scholars program since 2010. The partnership supports assisting Tillman Scholars with truck and equipment rentals. A team of participants from Arizona, where U-Haul is based, also takes part in the run every year.
Pat Tillman’s Legacy
Pat’s Run came about soon after Tillman’s 2004 death in Afghanistan, where he served as an Army Ranger. Born in 1976, Tillman was a star linebacker at ASU and captured Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997.
In 2002, Tillman turned down a contract extension in the NFL to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan prior to his death.
To support his legacy and celebrate his impact, the Pat Tillman Foundation was established. The foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships, building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.
On an annual basis, 60 Tillman Scholars are selected to represent the foundation. These individuals have a 98-percent graduation rate in their career fields and, on average, serve more than eight years in the military.
Money raised through Pat’s Run helps fund the academic scholarships given to the Tillman Scholars. To date, there has been more than $15 million invested in academic support. Right now there are 525 Tillman Scholars in the network.
Finally, thanks to Team U-Haul participants and volunteers: Alexis Alvarez, Paige Baker, Shaun Birnbaum, Misty Butler, Brian Butler, Carly Castillo, Louis Coronado, Eva Franco, Mack Haggerty, Daniel Hernandez, Chris Kinzig, Tak Lay, Beverly Liu, Jessica Lopez, Jennifer Magana, Alexia Martinez, Sean McConnell, Rachel McMurdy, Jim Money, Jess Nichols, Luis Ortiz, Sara Romo, Alonna Ross, Zarin Sells, Zofia Sells, Angela Vasquez, Jason Wagner, Lindsay Welsh, Lexi Young, Nicolle Zavala, Samantha Zavala. Additonal photos of Team U-Haul participants is available below.
Did you know Team U-Haul participated in the Guardian Games in April as well? Learn more about our title sponsorship by clicking here.
