Pat's Run is an annual community event that will bring thousands to the Tempe streets and impact daily traffic routes for residents and commuters.
The event was made to honor the legacy of ASU alumnus and Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman, who left football to serve in the U.S. Army and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
Pat's Run is a 4.2-mile race meant to symbolize Tillman's jersey number during his years playing football for ASU.
It is organized by the Pat Tillman Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering service members, veterans and military spouses with academic scholarships and leadership development opportunities.
READ MORE: Pat Tillman's legacy lives on 20 years after his death through Pat's Run
Katherine Steele, the foundation’s CEO and 2014 Tillman scholar, said the event is meant to bring the community together and raise funds for scholarships, programming and future event opportunities for the Tillman scholars.
This year's race is taking place on April 11 and will be the 22nd Pat’s Run. Rob Riggle, an actor, comedian and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will be the official race starter for the run.
The race will begin near the intersection of East Rio Salado Parkway and South Packard Drive, just north of Mountain America Stadium, before finishing on the 42-yard line inside the stadium.
Several Tempe streets will be closed or restricted, and certain transit routes will be detoured.
Street restrictions from 4 p.m. Friday until noon Saturday
- Packard Drive closed in both directions between Sixth Street and Rio Salado Parkway
Street restrictions Saturday from 5-10:30 a.m.
- Sixth Street closed in both directions between Rural Road and Veterans Way
- Alpha Drive closed in both directions between University Drive and Sixth Street
- Rio Salado Parkway closed in both directions between Rural Road and Ash Avenue
- Northbound Mill Avenue closed between Third Street and Washington Street/Curry Road
- Curry Road closed in both directions between Mill and College avenues
- Lakeview Drive closed in both directions at Washington Street
- Southbound College Avenue closed between Curry Road and Gilbert Drive
- Eastbound Gilbert Drive closed between College Avenue and Scottsdale Road
- Southbound Scottsdale/Rural Road closed between Curry Road and University Drive
- Northbound Scottsdale/Rural Road closed between University Drive and Curry Road
- Westbound Rio Salado Parkway closed at McClintock Drive
- Eastbound SR202 off-ramp at Scottsdale Road closed
- Westbound SR202 on-ramp at Scottsdale Road closed
- Westbound SR202 off-ramp at Scottsdale Road restricted to northbound traffic only on Scottsdale Road
An ASU Police Department spokesperson wrote in a statement that ASU PD, alongside neighboring agencies, will have an increased presence to support safety and traffic in the area. Officers will also be on site to help guide traffic.
"We are recommending that attendees plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow signs to designated arrival and parking areas," the statement said.
Steele said it is expected that around 30,000 participants will attend this year, which is close to sell out capacity.
Last year was the first time that the run included Tillman Tailgate. With it, the foundation wanted to provide more opportunities for people to connect after the race and become part of the community.
WATCH: Video: 4.2 miles with The State Press
The tailgate will be at the north end of Mountain America Stadium, Lot 59, but is only available to those taking part in the race.
The post-race celebration will feature live music on the main stage with local band AZZ IZZ and rotating DJs. There will also be a food truck alley with nine different options, as well as a Beer Garden and Expo Marketplace with vendors.
"We want to bring people together," Steele said. "We want to be here because Pat lived and celebrate the incredible impact that we have 22 years later because of him and the choices that he made. Every human that crosses that 42-yard line is investing in the Tillman Scholar community ... we also want you to connect with the impact that we get to make through the Tillman Scholars."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Henry Smardo and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at dkovalen@asu.edu.
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Diana reports on ASU’s diverse community and culture for The State Press. She is pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Political Science. In addition, she is a reporter for The Cut Network and a radio host at Blaze Radio.
