Hundreds are anticipated to gather Saturday, April 23 at Cummings Park along Ruston Way in Tacoma for the fourth annual Pat's Run to support the Pat Tillman Foundation's military scholarship program.

Pat's Run in Tacoma is one of dozens of runs across the country that shadows a larger-scale event at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

Tillman, an Arizona State alumnus, left the NFL following 9/11 to join the U.S. Army and serve his country. While deployed in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger, Tillman was killed. Following his death, Tillman's friends and family established the Pat Tillman Foundation with the goal to serve military veterans and their spouses giving selflessly, much like Tillman did.

Tara Boucher, Pat's Run Tacoma chair, said ASU is a great community and plays a large role in supporting the foundation.

"ASU is where I went as well," Boucher said. "I am from Arizona and lived there when Pat was playing (football). My father was in the military so I was compelled to lead this run when the opportunity came up in the Seattle/Tacoma area."

Tacoma was home to Tillman. As part of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, Tillman was based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2002 before deployment to Iraq.

"Holding this event in a city where Pat spent time, near a base where he served, in a community filled with military families, couldn't be more perfect," said Kimberley Capp Wilson, a 2006 Tillman Leadership Through Action Scholar. "The philanthropic and education support in western Washington is unparalleled."

Boucher said the event is suited for walkers, runners and baby strollers. The 4.2-mile walk/run will start at Cummings Park on the Tacoma waterfront. Boucher said the 4.2-mile distance is in recognition of Tillman's NFL No. 42.

Boucher said she is very gracious for the support of the sponsors. Starbucks Armed Forces Network is donating food and beverages. Coca-Cola South Sound is donating water and Powerade. GNC is providing nutrition bars. Other sponsors include lead sponsor KPMG, Arizona State Alumni Association, The Inn at Gig Harbor, the City of Tacoma Environmental Services, Road Runner Sports Kent, and the Military Seahawkers.

"We really appreciate people donating food and water," Boucher said.

The Seahawks mascot Blitz will be in attendance to greet participants. A raffle and after-event party at The Swiss in Tacoma will follow the walk/run.

Pat's Run, 9 a.m., April 23, 3939 Ruston Way, Tacoma, $40 registration, 206.218.7391