More Than a Race: The Conversations That Define Pat’s Run

A firsthand account of Pat’s Run from U-Haul intern and Cronkite School student Peter Bishop. Pat’s Run honors former Army Ranger, NFL standout and Arizona State University alumnus Pat Tillman, who died in 2004, while raising money for the Pat Tillman Foundation — an esteemed nonprofit supporting veteran scholarships that U-Haul has sponsored since 2010. The 4.2-mile race is symbolic of the No. 42 jersey that Tillman wore at ASU and attracts tens of thousands of participants every year, from competitive runners to walkers who are there to support the cause.

Going into my first Pat’s Run, I expected what most people probably do: a big crowd, an early morning, and a few miles to trek in the Arizona heat.

What I didn’t expect were the insightful conversations.

As an intern with the External Communications team at U-Haul^® International, I was invited to be a part of Pat’s Run representing the Company.

The night before the race, I attended the VIP reception. Being there gave me a different perspective before race day even started. Instead of focusing on the run itself, most of the conversations were about why people show up in the first place.

Francisco Morales, an Arizona State alum now working with U-Haul, talked about the event in terms of personal growth.

“For me, Pat’s Run is about setting goals and continuing to push yourself to new horizons,” Morales said. “Whether it’s running or anything else, it’s important to always have something you’re working toward.”

That idea came up more than once throughout the night. The race is important, but for a lot of people, it is really about having something to work toward and using the event as a checkpoint for that progress while honoring an American hero.

There was also a strong sense of connection between people at the event.

“I love connecting with people,” Morales said. “Even though we’re all on different paths, everyone has their own goals, and events like this bring us together.”

That was clearly visible throughout the reception. People from different backgrounds, careers and experiences were all there for similar reasons. The conversations were meaningful; not just ‘small talk.’

The event featured a keynote speech delivered by Alex Garwood, Pat Tillman’s brother-in-law and director of the Pat Tillman Foundation.

The stories shared what Tillman meant to people who knew him personally, like Garwood, as well as ASU and the local community. It brought a rare sense that every participant — nearly 30,000 on race day — was there for something bigger than themselves.

“To me, Pat’s Run represents leadership and service,” said Karen Conway, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at the Pat Tillman Foundation. “It’s about passing those values on to the next generation so they can learn from his example.”

That perspective stood out because it shifts the focus to the bigger picture. The event is not just about remembering Tillman but carrying forward what he represented.

Being there as a member of U-Haul added to that understanding. It showed how companies can be involved in more than just business and play an important role in supporting events that bring society together.

By the end of the night, my expectations for Pat’s Run had changed.

I came in thinking mostly about running a race. After hearing from people and feeling the sense of community, it became clear that the event is defined more by the participants, their reasons for being there, and a common appreciation for a selfless and enduring spirit.

The miles matter, but the meaning behind them matters more.

U-Haul International has been headquartered in Phoenix since 1967. If you are interested in joining Team U-Haul and being part of our philanthropic, community-based family, please search careers at uhauljobs.com.