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Kids ranging from ages 5 through 12 participated in Saturday's Kid's Run, part of the fourth annual Pat's Run. San Jose Shark's Sharkie and fellow mascot friends, San Jose Giant's Gigante and San Jose Earthquake's Q, sounded off the start of the race, while cheering along side.

Pat's Run attracts more than 3,000

Volunteers, including some old friends, show up to pay respect tol Tillman

By: Tara Duffy and Casey Jay

Posted: 5/6/08

Even with a start time of 8 a.m., the third annual race of Pat's Run attracted more than 3,000 participants on Saturday to San Jose's Leland High School.

The run is named for Pat Tillman, who is remembered for leaving behind a $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League to serve as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, where he was tragically killed by friendly fire.

Pat's Run includes a 4.2 mile run/walk and a 0.42 mile kid's race, both representing the number Tillman wore on his Arizona State University jersey.

Runners and spectators also enjoyed live music, a play area for children, free stretching stations and food vendors.

Participants in the race included people of all ages and abilities, some with strollers or dogs and even some who knew Tillman personally.

One couple, Ben and Jamie Hill, both grew up with Tillman, and said Pat's Run is a positive way to show support for their friend and others in the military.

"How do people know about it and not come out?" Jamie Hill said.

Her husband Ben said Tillman always made a great effort to bring people together, and it was wonderful to see the community do just that in his honor.

"It's early, but it's worth it," said Jared Kole, 22, a senior mechanical engineer major, who volunteered by handing water to the runners.

Some athletes that participated in the run said they wanted to be a part of a good cause.

"We did it last year; it's a good fundraiser," said Stacy Guenther, 35, an SJSU alumnus who majored in criminal justice. "It's a great cause. It's definitely a sad story, but something good has come out of something tragic."

According to its Web site, Pat's Run was created by Tillman's friends and family to help raise awareness and funding for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

The foundation's main goal is to support young people striving to make positive changes in themselves and the world, which it achieves using the Leadership Through Action Program.

Many volunteers, including SJSU students, arrived hours before the race began to set up for the event.

"We love the organization," said Dustin Brunzlick, 20, a junior business management major. "We love what it stands for. We love helping out."

Some of the athletes said they participated to help remember Tillman.

"It was nice to see so many people show up," said Josh Franck, 22. "He was a great guy. He is a hero, and it's a great cause."

One woman said she participated in the run because it brings attention to the soldiers that are still in Iraq.

"We did it last year," said Karen Strohmayer, 43. "It's in memory of Pat and all the guys that are still over there."

Another woman said that while she didn't support the war, she felt that everyone should support the troops.

"He gave up his life for his country," said Janet Lageveen, 41, who said that this was her first time participating in the run. "It's a good cause. I will do it again."