Pat's Run sold out for second time ever, 28,000 people gathered to honor late football and army hero

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Thousands of people from across the country gathered at ASU's Sun Devil Stadium to remember one of their own and an American hero.

The 13th annual Pat's Run honored the late Pat Tillman, a football hero who enlisted in the army after the 9-11 attacks and lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004.

Brother-in-law of the late Tillman, Alex Garwood, says to know Pat was to love Pat, and his presence was felt all over today.

"The most meaningful thing I've ever known besides being a dad is my friendship with Pat and earning that friendship. And the reason I say that is: things were better when he was around. Books were better, more interesting, beers were colder, the sun was brighter. It was just much better to be around it. So every part of life when he was with you was better," said Garwood. "Today's an important day and the fact that we're able to raise money for our Tillman scholars, and so those men and women, if you're ever able to engage with them, they're incredible. They're like Pat, just incredible people making the world a better place."

The run benefits the Pat Tillman Foundation, a cause that's raised nearly $14 million in scholarships for veterans and their spouses.

Halli Stewart, a 2015 recipient, says the scholarship is much more than just monetary support.

"I think a lot of people would think, 'Oh well is this just a financial thing? Financial help to get through school? It's more than that, not only is it networking and support, but it's also just a group of people who are really driven to all give back and support Pat's legacy," said Stewart.

Adding that even though the loss of Tillman's life, a hero on and off the football field, will never be filled, his legacy will always be remembered.

"It's emotional to see how many people are here and sell out, especially, is wonderful," said Stewart.

This was the second time the event has sold out with 28,000 people in attendance.