More than 20,000 runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators descended on Tempe April 18 for the fifth annual Pat’s Run Tempe to celebrate the life of former ASU football star and Army Ranger, Pat Tillman. Tillman walked away from the NFL to join the Army Rangers in the wake of September 11, 2001. He was killed while deployed in Afghanistan in April 2004.

Matthew Wentz of Tonopah (right) and Jason Wentz of Surprise were just two of the participants who came out to run Saturday morning.

Karene Rogers of Gilbert pins a race number on her son, Jared Rogers, 13, as older brother Joshua, 16, waits his turn.

This year the race was improved with the implementation of two new procedures. Runners were asked to start the race with others who run at the same speed, then each group was staggered at the start.

Radio chips, included in the race packet, were attached to participants’ shoes. The chip began timing each runner as they passed the start line and recorded the time that had elapsed at the finish.

The race launches off as the first group of runners leaves the start line.

A group of runners make their way north on Packard Drive.

Runners pass by the Sun Devil football stadium as they trek on during the 4.2 mile run/walk.

Aaron Aguayo, former ASU cross-country team member was the first to cross the finish line in 20 minutes, 57 seconds.

Runners make their way into the north entrance of Sun Devil Stadium.

Participants head for the 42-yard finish line, chosen in honor of Pat Tillman’s Sun Devil number.

Jarrell Woods, #20, was one of the many ASU football players at Pat’s Run to cheer on the finishers.