The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K

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.

There will be limited parking on race morning at Autumn Hill State School. Autumn Hill Drive will also close at 7:30am on race morning and not reopen until after the race. So if you park here you may not be able to leave until the road has opened back up. Additional parking will be available at Union High School across Independence Drive from the start/finish area and at the bottom of Autumn Hill Drive at Family Resource Center.

What is the point or reason of the piggyback part of the race?

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Lance Purschke Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Union R-XI Foundation. Throughout high school, Lance and friends would run almost everyday after dismissal. He routinely ran up Autumn Hill, sometimes more than once per run. Lance loved the hill and the challenge it presented. He never complained about it. Rather, his was the voice of encouragement for others to rise to the challenge. In fact, he is the first person we know of to carry someone piggyback up the hill. Hence the race name, The Piggyback Dash.

He is the inspiration behind this race and the reason we take the piggyback part so serious. While it is fun, unique, and purely optional, we do have some requirements when it comes to receiving the special piece of swag (see below).

Can I still get the swag item if I do the 2K?
Yes. It doesn’t matter which distance you do as long as you carry someone up Autumn Hill.

Do I have to carry someone piggyback or be carried piggyback?
No, you do not have to carry someone or be carried. This is completely optional.

Do I have to carry someone piggyback for the whole course?
No. We are only asking you to carry someone piggyback from the bottom of Autumn Hill (intersection of Autumn Hill Drive and Clark Avenue) to the finish line at the top of the hill. The distance is approximately 0.2 miles.

Does it matter who I carry piggyback?
No, it doesn’t matter who you carry. It can be someone you ran the race with, your child, friend/family member watching, race volunteer, etc. It doesn’t matter.* They don’t even have to be registered to be carried. However, they do need to sign a waiver to participate. The important part is that you used your own power to get another person up the hill. 

How far do I have to carry someone piggyback?
Approximately 0.2 miles.

Can I finish the race first and then go back and do the piggyback portion?
Yes, you are more than welcome to finish the race on your own first and then go back down the hill and carry someone piggyback. We only ask that you make the volunteers and timer at the finish line know that you already finished so they don’t count your time twice. This will ensure the race results are as accurate as possible.

Does the person being carried get the special swag item?
No, they do not. Only the person doing the carrying gets it and only if they are a registered participant. However, if that person is registered, then when you finish you can go back down the hill and switch places.

Can I take a break during the piggyback portion?
You are allowed to stop and take a break while doing this. However, if you choose to do so then please do not continue to go up the hill until the person you are carrying is back on your back.

Can my partner and I switch halfway up the hill and still get the special swag item?
No, you cannot switch halfway up. In order to receive the special piece of swag you must carry someone the entire hill. However, if your partner is registered, then when you finish you can go back down the hill and switch places. This will allow both of you to receive the swag item.

What if it rains on race day?
A little bad weather never stopped Lance. The race will go on rain or shine. Race officials may cancel, delay or change the event in case of extreme weather or other conditions that may affect the safety and health of the participants. In the event of cancellation, refunds will not be issued.

Can I run/walk with my dog?
No. Unfortunately, all animals (excluding service dogs) are not allowed in the race.

Tiffany Eversole

C&R Sound

Stickergeek Graphics

Union Fire Department

Union Police Department

If interested in being a sponsor please email piggyback.dash@gmail.com. All proceeds from the race will go towards The Lance Purschke Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Union R-XI Foundation which is a 501(c)3 organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. 

Both cash and product donations are needed to make this event a success. In exchange for sponsorship, Piggyback Dash will provide advertisement and promotional services as outlined in the selected category. Companies that donate product or services will receive the category of sponsorship that is closest to the estimated amount of donation. Thank you in advance for your consideration on becoming a sponsor for the Piggyback Dash. Download sponsorship form below.

Presenting/Platinum Sponsor / $1,000 donation

• Logo on race website linking back to your website
• Promotional/marketing materials (provided by sponsor) included in race swag bag
• Business promoted/featured in at least one social media post and/or race email
• Largest sponsor logo on race shirts
• Logo on race bibs
• 5 free race entries
• 1 free event shirt
• Logo on race flyers to be posted in the local area and/or featured in newspaper ad
• If interested, tent/table space at start/finish area*
• Limited to 2 presenting sponsors (Ex: Piggyback Dash presented by “your name” in all race materials)
• Presenting sponsor will have industry exclusivity - will not have another presenting sponsor in your industry

Gold Sponsor / $500 donation

• Logo on race website linking back to your website
• Promotional/marketing materials (provided by sponsor) included in race swag bag
• Business promoted/featured in at least one social media post and/or race email
• Logo on race shirt*
• Logo on race bibs
• 2 free race entries
• 1 free event shirt
• Logo on race flyers to be posted in the local area and/or featured in newspaper ad
• If interested, tent/table space at start/finish area*

Silver Sponsor / $250 donation

• Logo on race website linking back to your website
• Promotional/marketing materials (provided by sponsor) included in race swag bag
• Business promoted/mentioned in at least one social media post and/or race email
• Logo on race shirt*
• 1 free race entry
• 1 free event shirt

Bronze Sponsor / $100 donation

• Logo on race website linking back to your website
• Promotional/marketing materials (provided by sponsor) included in race swag bag
• 1 free event shirt

Under $100

• Name listed on race website (no logo)
• Promotional/marketing materials (provided by sponsor) included in race swag bag
• 1 free event shirt

* Sponsor logos on race shirts may be limited to first 18 sponsors. Tent space limited to first 4 requests.

Throughout high school, Lance and friends would run almost everyday after dismissal. He routinely ran up Autumn Hill, sometimes using it for hill repeats. Lance loved the hill and the challenge it presented. He never complained about it. Rather, his was the voice of encouragement for others to rise to the challenge. In fact, he is the first person we know of to carry someone piggyback up the hill. Hence the race name, The Piggyback Dash.

Thursday, 9/25/25
Trophies T's and More
706 US-50, Union, MO 63084
12:00pm - 4:30pm

Friday, 9/26/25
Red White and Brew Coffee Company
317 US-50, Suite C, Union, MO 63084
12:00pm - 6:00pm

Race Day, 9/27/25
Start/Finish Area 6:30am - 7:30am

In-person registration will also be available at these times

Medals will be awarded to the top overall male and female in the 10K and 5K and the top 3 male and female in each age group for 10K & 5K. Age groups are 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

10K 
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1464283453

5K
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1464296446

2K (1.2 miles)
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/3691928356