September 27, 2025
Participate with your family and friends in the 9th Annual Piggyback Dash, a timed 10K and 5K run, as well as a 2K fun run/walk. This unique race will take you on a rolling course through Union with a challenging, but rewarding finish at the top of Autumn Hill. As part of the inspiration behind the race, runners have the option to voluntarily carry someone piggyback style up Autumn Hill to the finish line for extra finisher swag.
Learn MoreSponsors
This event has been a success from the beginning thanks to generous businesses and residents of our local community.
Learn MoreVolunteers
Interested in volunteering at a water station, the finish line, or multiple locations along the course? Contact piggyback.dash@gmail.com with any questions.
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.
Mission Statement
The Piggyback Dash, an annual running event, encourages individuals and families to challenge themselves. Inspired by Lance Purschke, the event is committed to providing scholarships in Lance's memory to UHS seniors, to striving to be an event the community supports, and to growing the local running community.
