On April 18, residents, runners and veterans will be convening at Alpha Coffee for the annual Tillman Honor Run. Alpha Coffee invites community members of all ages and skill levels to participate in the celebrations honoring Pat Tillman. 

The Tillman Honor Run showcases the legacy left by Pat Tillman. After watching the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Pat, and his brother Kevin, were inspired to defend their country. Pat left his established NFL career as a Sun Devil linebacker and Arizona Cardinals safety to volunteer as a U.S. Army Ranger. He was killed two years later by friendly fire protecting his fellow soldiers during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan. 

A veteran-owned company, Alpha Coffee’s entire team takes care and pride in their efforts for this event. Co-founder Carl Churchill served as a U.S. Army soldier for 21 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Co-founder Lori Churchill grew up with her father who was a Vietnam veteran. 

“Pat stood for a lot and we honor his passion and his legacy,” Carl said kicking off the Tillman Honor Run last year. 

Alpha Coffee has been hosting the Tillman Honor Run in Cottonwood Heights since their location opened in 2017. The Churchills have watched the event grow to over 160 participants. Those who participate in the Tillman Honor Run will travel 4.2 miles in honor of his jersey number—42. 

In 2023, the Churchills introduced a gathering held after the Tillman Honor Run called “Pints for Pat.” This allows residents who may not want to or be able to participate in the Honor Run to join in the recognitions for Pat Tillman with brews and bratwursts. As part of Alpha Coffee’s Grounds for Good Program, all proceeds contribute to the Tillman Scholars Foundation. 

The Tillman Honor Run on April 18 will begin at 9 a.m. at Alpha Coffee’s original location at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon (7260 S. Racquet Club Drive). 

Those interested can register through the Race Roster website listed below. Registration rates vary between $25 and $80. Adult registrants will receive an official 2026 Pat’s Run race shirt and medal and kid participants will receive a shirt and finishing award. 

Proceeds from all Tillman Honor Runs (over 40 throughout the country) go toward the Tillman Foundation which funds academic scholarships for military families pursuing higher education. The Tillman Honor Run is hosted by the Pat Tillman Foundation in partnership with the Arizona State University Alumni Association of Utah. 

The Churchills emphasize that the Tillman Honor Run is intended for all skill levels. Attendees can opt to run, bike, jog, walk, roll or stroll the 4.2 miles or simply show up for the event, food and community. 

See our previous coverage “Alpha Coffee, community fundraise for the Tillman Foundation at honor run” from 2023 through the City Journals website at: www.cottonwoodheightsjournal.com. 

Learn more about Pat Tillman’s story through Alpha Coffee’s website with “Erick’s Story: The Pat Tillman Foundation."

To register for a Tillman Honor Run, visit: www.raceroster.com. 

Visit Alpha Coffee’s website at alpha.coffee/pages/shop-big-cottonwood-canyon.