Pat's Run is put on to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation. Please note going in that this event is not a race... it is a charity fundraiser and is meant as a course of reflection and achievement. There are 28,000 people running and walking along this 4.2 mile course. Although there are 28 corrals, it is crowded. Many participants do not commonly run races, so they don't participate in common race etiquette. You can expect them to walk four and five abreast.

Now, with that said, this is one of my favorite races. There are SO MANY people coming together for a terrific cause. The energy is positive and sense of community is overwhelming. Packet pickup is a breeze (it's in front of the stadium), or for $10 they will send you your packet.

The pre-race expo is full of goods, however no one wants to run with new purhases. Luckily, they stay open after the race, and you are welcome to make purchases then. There are beverages and fruit after the race, which finishes on Pat Tillman Field at Sun Devil Stadium. You are not rushed off the field, so find your crew, take photos, etc. ASU players are there to high five you at the finish. You are welcome to walk into the stands and hang out.

The course is pretty, with picturesque hills and bridges along the river. Parking was super easy when entering and leaving. I highly recommend this race if you like the experience of community, if you like the feeling of philanthropy, and you like the feeling of gratitude. Do not partake if you expect it to be a fast course where the purpose is to race, as you are likely to be disappointed or ruin the experience for others.