The annual Pat’s Run will be held in Tempe later this month. But runners across the country will also be honoring the late Pat Tillman. 

The crowd of runners at 2011's Pat's Run Tempe. (Photo courtesy Pat Tillman Foundation)

On April 21, thousands of runners will fill the streets of Tempe to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Tillman, an ASU grad, famously gave up his career with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals to serve in the military. He was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.

This is the eighth Pat’s Run that’s been held in Tempe. But four years ago, shadow runs started in eight cities across the U.S. This year, there will be 25 shadow runs.

“Some of the newer runs are a dozen people. They’re brand new, and they’re just getting the word out," said Marcy Wojtulewicz of the Pat Tillman Foundation. "Our large runs, Los Angeles, D.C., New York, they have hundreds of participants.”

One of the shadow runs is in San Jose, Calif., near Tillman’s hometown. Andrea Jacobs is the organizer.

Last year's Shadow Run in San Jose, Calif. (Photo courtesy Pat Tillman Foundation)

 “To me, it’s an honor to be able to put on this run, and all the money goes towards the Tillman Military Scholars," Jacobs said. "I think it’s important for our country when the people in the military come back, that they get the support that they need.”

Proceeds from Pat’s Run Tempe, and from all the shadow runs, directly benefit the Tillman Military Scholars Program. Wojtulewicz says the Foundation hopes to keep adding shadow runs.

“Recognizing Pat’s Run Tempe has maxed out at capacity and we cannot grow the 4.2-mile run anymore, just out of safety and experience, the way we can grow is through the shadow runs," Wojtulewicz said.

You can find more information here.

Updated 4/3/2012 9:10 a.m.