Spring Break
Pat's Run attracts more than 3,000
Volunteers, including some old friends, show up to pay respect tol Tillman
Tara Duffy and Casey Jay
Issue date: 5/6/08 Section: News
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The run is named for Pat Tillman, who is remembered for leaving behind a $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League to serve as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, where he was tragically killed by friendly fire.
Pat's Run includes a 4.2 mile run/walk and a 0.42 mile kid's race, both representing the number Tillman wore on his Arizona State University jersey.
Runners and spectators also enjoyed live music, a play area for children, free stretching stations and food vendors.
Participants in the race included people of all ages and abilities, some with strollers or dogs and even some who knew Tillman personally.
One couple, Ben and Jamie Hill, both grew up with Tillman, and said Pat's Run is a positive way to show support for their friend and others in the military.
"How do people know about it and not come out?" Jamie Hill said.
Her husband Ben said Tillman always made a great effort to bring people together, and it was wonderful to see the community do just that in his honor.
"It's early, but it's worth it," said Jared Kole, 22, a senior mechanical engineer major, who volunteered by handing water to the runners.
Some athletes that participated in the run said they wanted to be a part of a good cause.
"We did it last year; it's a good fundraiser," said Stacy Guenther, 35, an SJSU alumnus who majored in criminal justice. "It's a great cause. It's definitely a sad story, but something good has come out of something tragic."
According to its Web site, Pat's Run was created by Tillman's friends and family to help raise awareness and funding for the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Ted Rudow III,MA
posted 5/06/08 @ 8:39 AM PST
Tillman' mother and father said they believe the military and the government created a heroic tale about how their son died to foster a patriotic response across the country. (Continued…)
Dottie
posted 5/06/08 @ 2:28 PM PST
Ted, It is very sad that you would denigrate this brave American's life - you sound so pathetic - I bet you are no one's hero.
Ted Rudow III,MA
posted 5/07/08 @ 9:01 AM PST
My parents are sport fanatics! My Grandfather, on my mother side, with my Great-Uncle were the first to be named "Walter Camp's All-American"in football on the West Coast in America. (Continued…)
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