2026 Pony Express 5k

Get ready to saddle up—because the Pony Express 5K is back and helping to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! 

Join us on Saturday, June 6th at 8:00 AM (race to end at 9:30AM) for the return of the Pony Express 5K, starting and finishing at the iconic Pony Express Museum. This exciting race brings together runners, walkers, and community members for a fun and meaningful cause.

This year’s event benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by supporting the Measly Mile Mafia Heroes as they train and fundraise for the New York City Marathon. Meet your 2026 Measly Mile Mafia Heroes: Terra James, Tammy Rivera, Stephanie Tripp, Rayna Vogan, Arielle Thornton!  Your participation helps make a difference in the lives of children and families facing life-threatening illnesses. Whether you're chasing a PR or just out for a great morning with friends, this race offers a scenic and historic route that celebrates the spirit of the Pony Express while supporting an incredible mission. 

🏁 Race Details & Perks:

• Professionally timed 5K race
• Age group awards will be presented
• All finishers will earn a commemorative race medal
• Race T-Shirts Can be added for $5.00 ($7.00 for XXL & XXXL sizes)

Lace up your running shoes and be part of something bigger—every mile matters in the race to end childhood cancer. Let’s do something incredible together:

• Help us ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food -- because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. No child should die in the dawn of life.
• Because of donors like us, treatments invented at St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago.
• St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
• St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Add Cinnabon packs to your entry! The proceeds from these sweet treats will of course go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and our overall fundraising goal! They will be available for pickup at the start/finish line of the event.

💛 Want to get more involved and promote your business? 💛
Sponsorship opportunities are available! To request a sponsorship packet or learn how you can support the event, please contact Terra James at terrajames@knot-4-profit.org

In-Person Route: 

Packet and t-shirt (if registered on/before May 28th) pickup will be held on Friday, June 5th from 3:00PM-7:00PM at River Bluff Brewery. The address is 1224 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64501. 

• Signup by May 28th in order to get a t-shirt for an additional $5.00 ($7.00 for XXL and XXXL)

All in-person participants will receive a really cool finisher medal! In-person runners can compete for the following award medals: 

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Male 
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Female 
• 1st, 2nd. 3rd Place Nonbinary 

Age group award winners will receive a unique prize!