Pctured Above: Chase Radloff Crosses Finish Line.
Father And Son Pay Tribute To Legend, By Running In Pat's Run On April 21 At ASU Campus.
Chase And Adam Radloff, Were Two Of The 25,000 Plus Runners Who Supported Foundation Fund Raiser.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association.
Tempe - - - Adam Radloff always has one goal in mind for his son, Chase, when it comes to his athletic endeavors. Do the best you can and the feeling of accomplishing something in the wide, wide world of sports, is the motivation he will need to continue to succeed moving forward.
Chase, 15, a member of the Strikes And Spares Youth League at AMF Mesa in Mesa, AZ. Was one of 25,000 plus runners who participated in the 14th Annual Pat's Run on Saturday April 21, on the ASU campus in Tempe.
The annual race to honor local legend Pat Tillman, is the yearly signature fund raising event for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Mr. Tillman, a former star football player with the Sun Devils and Arizona Cardinals. Left a very lucrative pro football career to serve his country in Afghanistan following the 911 terror attacks in New York City. Mr. Tillman served with the 75th Ranger Regiment and lost his life there while serving his country.
"My son is 15 and knows and understands the Tillman story. We discuss his personal interest to join the military, but he is unsure at this time," said Adam, of his sons knowledge of who Pat Tillman is. "I have run almost every year since 2011. I missed the event in 2016. I look forward to participating every year. There is an indescribable energy among the participants honoring Pat Tillman and our military. It is great to see families learn about his legacy and how it is impacting the future generations through his scholarships."
The yearly race is 4.2 miles long symbolizing Pat's number for when he played for the Sun Devils and Cardinals. Adam said the course is well marked. The routes main roads in Tempe during race day include: Curry, Mill Ave., Rio Salado, and Rural.
"There were a lot of people running in the race this year. I think there were around 25,000 in attendance that morning. When the trumpeter begins to play the National Anthem, the respect from the crowd is enchanting, said Adam, before the start of the race. "I can't recall any other public event where everyone stops mid conversation. Turns to the flag, and either stands at attention or places a hand over their heart."
In addition to honoring Pat Tillman, in Pat's Run the last seven years. Adam has another reason why he has run this race that hits very close to home also.
"I feel the presence of all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. During the race, I tend to reflect on all members of the military who have served. Are currently serving and those like Pat," said Adam, of his thought process during the race. "My cousin was killed in Afghanistan serving with the Marines and I think of him quite a bit during the event. I think Pat would be honored to see the turnout and the ongoing support his foundation provides throughout the year."
Adam likes to get out and do training runs three to four days a week. While Chase is a member of his high schools track team, and they practice five to six times a week. At Pat's Run this year, Chase, finished 17th overall and took home third place for his age group. Adams favorite race and best time he posted came in the 38th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. The first time he ran it, he had a goal of 4 hours 30 min. He completed it in 4:29:22.
"This question should be the other way around. I cannot keep up with my son as he runs at a 5:30 - 6 min per mile pace. I don't even try to keep up with him anymore," he says, of running a race with Chase. The second time he ran this race, I kept up with him for about two-and-a-half miles and then I was out of breath. He didn't even realize I wasn't there until he crossed the finish line. I am extremely proud that he runs this event and others such as the Synchrony Financial half marathon."
Adam has completed the Marine Corps Marathon twice. The 'Tough Mudder' two-days-in-a-row. And, this is the first year that he and his son have also ran in the Synchrony Financial half marathon.
"It has been a great bonding experience. Everything from the pre-race to the post-race makes for a great day," Adam says, of running in Pat's Run with his son. "I am not the best at talking about how proud I am of his accomplishments. By being able to train together, participate together, and recover together. I have the opportunity to show him how proud I am of his ability and dedication. And how impressed I am in the man he is becoming."
In previous years those who participated in Pat's Run, would cross the finish line on the 42 yard-line at the north end of Sun Devil Stadium.
"This year due to construction they had the finish line in the parking lot," he said of the construction going on inside Sun Devil Stadium. "By the time I got to the finish line there were so many people there that I couldn't run across it. My son told me that as he crossed the finish line there were only three other people and they announced his name and age as he finished. He thought that was pretty cool. In previous years I was able to run in a faster group and the finish line was not so crowded. As a Sun Devil fan, I love crossing the finish line on the field. The stands offer such a great way to watch as other people I know finish the race."
He was also asked on what he thought of the Boston Marathon which was ran before Pat's Run, and about the two females from Arizona who placed in the top five. Des Linden, a former track and field star at ASU, and former two-time Olympian won the race in 2:39:54. And Sarah Sellers, an Anesthetist from Tucson, finished second.
"I honestly didn't know they were from Arizona. I only heard that it was the first time that an American had won the Boston marathon since the 80s. They represented Arizona and the USA well. I hope my step-daughter (an Arizona native) feels inspired by them. The flat land does make it a challenge. Especially for the longer races which always have good sized hills. We try to go out to the mountain trails to help us train for those parts of the race."
Adam is employed in the information technology industry as a Network Engineer. Running and bowling he says, help him deal with the stress that life brings. According to Bowl. Com, he has been bowling in sanctioned leagues since the 2014-15 season. His highest average to date of 193 was achieved in the Friday Vegas League during the 216-17 season.
"I find it very relaxing," he says, of the two sports. "Both allow my mind to refocus. Bowling has become a family activity providing me with a date night every week with my wife, and consistent time dedicated to supporting my children."
Chase's high game and average to date is a 216,162. His best tournament finish was in March 2018 at the Pepsi Tournament where he placed 5th in the scratch division, and was advanced to the state tournament.
"The head coach of the league has a rule that if you are a parent of one of the kids, then you can not coach them. Kids rarely listen to their parents, so it tends to make it difficult to coach your kids," he says, of the challenge coaching brings. "Occasionally my son will ask me what he is doing wrong and I'll tell him but, when the other coach tells him, he tends to be more responsive to it. When we go out to practice, I try to guide him and give him pointers on what he should attempt."
Adam has been serving with the U.S. Marines since 2006 as a Bulk Fuel Specialist. He is currently a Gunnery Sergeant with the Environmental Services Division based in Phoenix..
Mesa Metro Bowling News - May 23, 2018