All proceeds from the race will benefit The Lance Purschke Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Join us for the 10th Annual Piggyback Dash. Enjoy a beautiful, rolling course through the streets of Union with a challenging but rewarding finish at the top of Autumn Hill. The 10K and the 5K runners will start at the same time. The 5K is a single loop course. As the 5K runners make the last turn onto Autumn Hill Drive the 10K runners will continue straight and proceed to run an additional 3 miles through Union. Aid stations will be provided along the 5K and 10K routes. Post race refreshments will also be provided.
The 10K and 5K (ish) are chip timed events and medals will be awarded. The 2K (1.2 mile) fun run/walk will not be officially timed and no medals will be provided.
As an added twist, once runners reach the bottom of Autumn Hill they have the opportunity to carry someone piggyback up the hill to the finish line. This is completely voluntary. In no way is the piggyback portion required in order to finish. It doesn't matter who the person on your back is. They do not have to be a registered participant. Runners who do choose to carry someone piggyback up Autumn Hill will receive an extra piece of finisher swag. See our FAQ page for more details.
Early-bird registration: 2/24/26 - 3/5/26
Standard registration: 3/6/26 - 8/31/26
Late registration: 9/1/26 - Race Day**
Online registration ends 9/23/26
**Registrations submitted after 8/31/26 are NOT GUARANTEED A SHIRT.
No dogs allowed in the race except service dogs.
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 6.2 Miles
Type — Running
08:00
$20.00
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Running
08:00
$15.00
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 1.2 Miles
Type — Running
08:05
$5.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Union.
Learn more about the host city, Union.
Union is a city in and the county seat of Franklin County, Missouri, United States. It is located on the Bourbeuse River, 50 miles (80 km) southwest of St. Louis. The population was 12,348 at the 2020 census.
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