Pat's Run Will Be Held Virtually Again In 2021

TEMPE, AZ — With coronavirus cases climbing and showing no signs of slowing down, Tempe's annual Pat's Run will go on in 2021 as a virtual event.

The Pat Tillman Foundation, named for the former Arizona State University and Arizona Cardinals' player who died in combat in 2004, announced the decision Wednesday.

"In partnership with the City of Tempe, Arizona State University and our presenting sponsor TEKsystems, we’ve made a joint decision to hold Pat’s Run virtually in 2021 to prioritize the health and safety of our runners, our volunteers and the community that continues to support education and leadership development for Tillman Scholars," the foundation said in a statement on its website. "While we are disappointed that we won’t be in the same physical location, we will all still come together for the spirited, family-friendly event that we’ve all come to know and love."

The 4.2-mile race through the streets of downtown Tempe — designated for Tillman's retired number — will still take place on April 24, 2021, but the participation window is being expanded from April 23 to the 25th to allow for more flexibility for runners. Now, individual runners will run the race on their own time and wherever they choose.

All adult runners will get a shirt and medal for participating. The foundation is also putting together a virtual expo and several other socially distant events in conjunction with the race, it said.

Registration for the 17th annual event will open on January 12. Runners are encouraged to join the official Pat's Run Facebook Group. The proceeds from the race will go toward the Tillman Scholars program.