The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K
- Date
- September 26, 2026
- Location
- 310 Autumn Hill Drive, Union, MO
- Distance
- 10K · 5K · 2K
From the Organizer
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
78°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
25%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Union, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Union, MO
Population
12,560
as of 2023
Elevation
625 ft
Nearest Airport
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 41 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
110
Days to train
- Race
- The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K
- Date
- September 26, 2026
- Location
- 310 Autumn Hill Drive, Union, MO
Coming Up
More Running races near Union, MO
Adam Puchta Wine & Swine Vineyard 5K
5K
28 miles away
Ballwin Days 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run
5K
28 miles away
Moonlight Howl 5K Run/Walk
5K
28 miles away
Go Girl Run | St. Louis, MO
22 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.
Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.
This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.
How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K?
- The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K is a running race held in Union, Missouri on September 26, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K?
- Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Union, Missouri at 310 Autumn Hill Drive, Union, MO. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Piggyback Dash 10K, 5K, 2K
Sep 26, 2026