Event Description

All proceeds from the race will benefit The Lance Purschke Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Join us for the 8th 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 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.

Why The Name?

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.