Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K

Join us for the 7th annual Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K on September 12, 2026! It will be held in conjunction with the annual Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash (120 mile bike race) that begins and ends in historic downtown Marysville.  

This race offers runners an opportunity to run through the paved and brick streets of Marysville as well as portions of the beautiful Blue River Rail Trail. This scenic trail begins in downtown Marysville and is located on a retired railroad bed alongside the Big Blue River. As the trail navigates through varying landscapes, runners will cross multiple bridges and have beautiful views of limestone outcrops, grass-covered bluffs and open farm fields. Periodic water stations and aid stations will be located along the route. This is a great race for those preparing to do a fall marathon!

Both races will be timed. The half marathon will begin at 8:00 a.m. at 7th & Broadway in downtown Marysville, followed by the 5K Run at 8:15 a.m.  Each runner will receive a race t-shirt and half marathon runners will receive a finisher medal. Top overall winners will receive awards following the races.

But the fun won't stop there! Throughout the day there will be various activities in downtown Marysville.  Cheer on the bicyclists in the Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash as they depart at 7:30 a.m. and as they make their way back to Marysville throughout the day.  And of course, food and drink will be abundant.

The deadline to register is September 5th at 11pm.  To be guaranteed a shirt, please register before September 5th at 11pm.   There will be NO same day registration and NO refunds.  Please follow us on Facebook to keep updated on the races and the other events in downtown Marysville that day.  If you have questions, please use the questions box below or leave a message on our Facebook Page.

All proceeds from this event will benefit St. Gregory the Great Catholic School PTO.