Running in Remembrance and Celebration

Races are organized and held for all kinds of reasons.  They can be exhibitions of the athletic excellence of elite athletes like the Olympics.  They can be run to showcase the achievements of mere mortals such as the Boston Marathon.  Some are the  like the Marine Corps Marathon that was organized to “promote goodwill between the military and the community post-Vietnam.”  Many other are run to commemorate an event or honor a particular group or person.  The 9-11 5K here in the DC is an example of that.

Today I had the opportunity to participate in a race I have long wanted to do … well sort of.  That race is the Pat Tillman Memorial 4.2 Miler.  The race itself is run in Tempe, Arizona but 4 years ago the ASU Alumni Association started organizing an informal shadow race here in Washington, DC.  There are currently 20+ shadow races.

Why did I want so badly to run this race?  My love of the military is no secret.  Pat Tillman, his choices and the ultimate sacrifice he made are all inspirational … and an example to each and every one of us.

Pat Tillman was standout linebacker in college for the Arizona State Sun Devils.  In addition to all the honors he earned on the field, he was also a star off the field graduating in 3 ½ years with a 3.85 grade point average.  He was even inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

After completing his studies he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals where he again excelled, playing at the safety position.  During his time with Arizona, Pat’s strong sense of loyalty was demonstrated when he refused a $9 million contract offer from the St. Louis Rams.  In 2000 he was named to the NFL All-Pro Team.  

The something happened that would change Pat’s life, the terrorist attacks on the United Sates on September 11^th, 2001 ... attacks that will be clear in my mind until the day I die as I was witness to the events here in Washington.  

In May of 2002 Pat turned down a new contract with the Cardinals so that he could join the United States Army.  That month he and his brother, who gave up a professional baseball contract, enlisted.  In 2003 Pat participated in the initial invasion of Iraq.  After returning from Iraq he entered Ranger school and in 2004 he deployed to Afghanistan.  On April 22, 2004, at the age of 27, Pat was killed in Afghanistan in an incident of friendly fire.

After his death the Pat Tillman Foundation was established.  The mission of the Foundation is to “invest in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships; building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.”  Eight years ago the first Pat Tillman Memorial 4.2 Miler was run … 4.2 miles in honor of his jersey number 42 that he wore while playing for ASU.

We had approximately 70 runners today on a gorgeous spring day. For me it was an emotional race.  While I thought about Pat during the race, I also though of my own cousin who only last week arrived in Afghanistan and who served 2 tours in Iraq including he initial invasion in 2003.

I still would love to try to get to Tempe to run the main race.  The idea of finishing on the 42 yard line of Sun Devils Stadium with 28,000 other runners and being greeted by the ASU Sun Devil football players.  Today I am happy in knowing that I was able to honor Pat and his legacy ... all while helping to raise money for his foundation.