“The most enjoyable and memorable part of volunteering at Pat’s Run 2026 was seeing thousands of people come together, running in support of a shared cause. It was an incredible display of unity and spirit.” – April Hullaby, Quality Assurance Analyst and Pat’s Run Volunteer
On Saturday, April 11, in Tempe, Arizona, the 22nd annual Pat’s Run took place with an estimated 28,000 energized participants running and walking the 4.2 mile route. The popular annual event honors Pat Tillman’s military service legacy and helps to raise funds for nearly 1,000 Pat Tillman Foundation Scholars.
Each April, the foundation holds the event to honor and remember the patriotic legacy of the fallen U.S. Army Ranger who left a successful NFL football career after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to serve his nation.
As part of our nation’s Military Appreciation Month in May, TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) is proud to spotlight this important event for our Veteran and military-connected audiences.
About Pat Tillman
Tillman served several
combat tours, including Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004-2005, and tragically died in 2005 in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan.
Upon his service sacrifice, he was posthumously promoted within the Army Ranger Special Operation ranks to Corporal Pat Tillman. He became the first former NFL player to die in U.S. military combat since the Vietnam War.
After his loss in 2005, his family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation to support the education and development of military members, Veterans, and military spouses as the next generation of selfless and committed private sector leaders.
Tillman firmly believed in principles of selfless service and demonstrated the courage, dedication, and commitment to serving something bigger than self.
About Pat’s Run
As a successful former
Arizona State University and Arizona Cardinals professional football player, Tempe was selected as the annual site of Pat’s Run fundraising event which each year receives more than $1 million to support the Tillman Scholars program.
Since 2005, TriWest has been a sponsor of Pat’s Run, partnering as one of the original sponsors when there were only about 5,000 participants.
Today, Pat’s Run annually
attracts as many as 30,000 participants from across the U.S. and around the globe. The event starts and finishes at ASU’s sports facility, Mountain America Stadium.
In addition to the event in Tempe, the Pat Tillman Foundation also partners to hold fun runs – 4.2 mile Tillman Honor Runs – across the U.S. The foundation and local ASU Alumni Association chapters host these events in local communities.
About TriWest’s Involvement
At TriWest, 42 inspired employees were eager to be part of Pat’s Run 2026.
TriWest contacted a few teammates for their thoughts about being a part of the annual event.
Wendy Cavalari; Pat’s Run 2026 Participant
TriWest job role:
I am a UI/UX Designer, focusing on creating intuitive, accessible digital experiences and architecting design systems that support our organization’s health care mission.
As a TriWest employee and Phoenix resident, what was your purpose in participating in Pat’s Run 2026? Have you previously participated in Pat’s Run?
Participating in Pat’s Run in both 2023 and 2026 allows me to pay tribute to a legacy of service while finding deep inspiration in our community’s shared energy.
What was your most enjoyable and memorable experience throughout the 4.2 mile course?
The most memorable part of this year’s event was the incredible atmosphere of camaraderie along the route, culminating in the high-energy finish inside the stadium surrounded by fellow Pat’s Run supporters.
Thomas Eagleman, U.S. Army Combat Veteran; Pat’s Run 2026 Participant
TriWest job role:
I am a Senior Workforce
Analyst for our TRICARE West Region contract, supporting Corporate Operation Management. I conduct data analysis to improve TriWest’s operations, working closely with internal partners to identify and resolve operational performance issues.
What was your most enjoyable and memorable experience throughout the 4.2 mile course? Have you previously participated in Pat’s Run?
I have participated in Pat’s run from 2023-2026. My most enjoyable moment of the Pat’s Run course is running into Mountain America Stadium at Arizona State University to the sound of the crowd cheering me on to the finish.
April Hullaby; Pat’s Run 2026 Volunteer
TriWest job role:
I am a Quality Assurance Analyst for our TRICARE West Region contract, supporting TriWest Corporate Operations Management.
As a TriWest employee and Phoenix resident, what was your purpose in participating in Pat’s Run 2026? Have you previously participated in Pat’s Run?
This was my first time volunteering for Pat’s Run and being a part of the inspiring event left a strong impression on me.
I had always wanted to
volunteer at Pat’s Run, so when a coworker invited me to join, I immediately accepted. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to support a cause connected to Pat Tillman’s legacy and give back in a meaningful way.
I plan to continue volunteering in the future.
What was most enjoyable and memorable experience at Pat’s Run?
The most enjoyable and memorable part of volunteering at Pat’s Run 2026 was seeing thousands of people come together, running in support of a shared cause. It was an incredible display of unity and spirit.
TriWest is proud to be a long-time supporter of Veteran and military-related events, including Pat’s Run, to demonstrate its strong culture of honoring service.