Pat's Run Fun

The Huish Family Represents at Pat's Run 2013

Arizonans take pride in Pat Tillman.  A former Sun Devil football star, turned Arizona Cardinal, turned Army Ranger,  Tillman displayed the ultimate sacrifice when he left his glorified life behind to serve his country in Afghanistan.  Tillman lost his life in that country as a result of friendly fire.  And now, around the world people know him best as a true American hero.  In football, he wore the number 42, which is now retired and hangs for all to remember in ASU Stadium.

The annual Pat's Run pays tribute to this great man.  Each April, nearly 35,000 runners, walkers and volunteers gather at Sun Devil Stadium, to join in the 4.2 mile run/walk or .42 mile Kids Run.  Participants weave through the streets of Tempe then cross the 42-yard line in the stadium in symbolic tribute to the legendary number 42.  The football team high fives the finishers at the finish line and everyone receives a commemorative t-shirt and post race refreshments.

This was my FIRST time I've ever participated in Pat's Run, but it will not be my last.  It is such a great event to do as a family -- even with small kids.  For the non-runner, 4.2 is a distance that one can tackle with just a few weeks of training.  But walkers can finish the distance fairly easily too - making this a perfect family friendly event.

I've asked my friend Diana Huish to share her experience with the race:

"Four years ago, our family decided that we wanted to try to be more physically active.  We hiked the Wind caves, we went on walks, some ran in the Turkey Trot.  We just tried to spend more time outside.  

One of the kids suggested that we try Pat's Run, so we all signed up and did it.  We each had different goals.  Some had a time they wanted to achieve.  Mine was just to run and not walk.  Some have improved easy year.  Some (Me) still have the same goal -- run, don't walk.  We haven't all been able to do it each year, but for those of us who have we have really enjoyed it.  Some of Eric's employees have joined us.  We make our own t-shirts for advertisement, and it also makes it easier to find us in the crowd.  It's a fun family tradition!