Despite the constraints of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the mission continued for the Pat Tillman Foundation – a longtime U-Haul charity partner – as Pat’s Run 2020 went virtual.
The health and safety of all runners, volunteers and staff were the top priorities. Race organizers heeded the guidance of health and governmental officials in shaping an event that could work under these circumstances.
On the morning of April 18, instead of gathering to run the streets of Tempe, participants ran 4.2 miles on their own, wherever they were.
Different streets. Same day. Same mission.
Revisit the 11th Annual Pat’s Run in 2015
It was a chance to embrace a challenging time and run alongside a virtual team across countless communities.
Participants were encouraged to share their runs via Instagram, mapping on Strava, and show their passion for our veterans. Those supported by the event include a community of more than 600 Tillman Scholars, brave men and women who are making the transition to their second act of service in healthcare, business, law, policy, education and the humanities.
Veteran Support at U-Haul
U-Haul maintains a strong commitment to supporting our military and veteran organizations. The industry leader in DIY moving and self-storage, U-Haul 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 is proud to partner with Pat’s Run by donating the use of equipment and supplies for race logistics. The Company also supports the cause by helping Tillman scholars move from one location to another to fulfill their missions.
As an essential service, U-Haul remains open to serve the moving needs of communities, including our prestigious Tillman Scholars.
Virtual Runners in Pat’s Run 2020
Reed Fox, a U-Haul Team Member, took part in the virtual run on what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday. “Participating virtually was OK. My run went well, but I missed the excitement of the physical Pat’s Run event,” Fox said. “I’ve participated in Pat’s Run a number of times before and will continue in the future!”
Reed Fox of U-Haul also was a participant in the “virtual race” on April 18, the 16th edition of Pat’s Run
Beverly Liu, a business analyst with U-Haul, says this was her third time participating in Pat’s Run. “The difference between a virtual run and the real run is the socialization with your co-workers. It’s the camaraderie you feel among other runners when not only running for your own health, but to support a message and a meaning,” she said.
“The best part is the patriotic feeling. Even though I am running alone, I am still running to support a message and a meaning. It’s an even bigger showing of ‘we’re all in this together’ to keep our country safe and healthy.”
U-Haul has partnered with the Pat Tillman Foundation for a decade and continues to support its mission.
Finally, visit the History and Culture section of myuhaulstory.com to read the WWII veteran tributes U-Haul is sharing in celebration of its 75th anniversary, which coincides with the end of WWII in 1945.
