From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find 10k events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Union R-XI Foundation.
Join us for the 48th Annual Founder's Day Run presented by the Union R-XI Foundation. Since the Union R-XI Foundation took over this event, the race has returned to its roots with an evening start during Union's annual Founder's Day Festival. Being the oldest and longest-standing road race in Franklin County and one of the oldest in the St. Louis metro area, the Founder's Day Run has been known to be a tough race. This year will be no different.
Come early and bring your family to see what Founder's Day has to offer. Then after you finish your race grab yourself a FREE beer (21 and over) and stick around and enjoy some live music. Founder's Day is an annual family-friendly event and takes place at the courthouse square in downtown Union, MO. The celebration is sponsored by the Union Parks & Recreation Department and local businesses with the primary goal of bringing our community together to celebrate our great city. The festivities include a cornhole tournament, food trucks, music, and more.
The Union R-XI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, charitable organization that supports the students, staff, facilities, and programs of the Union R-XI School District. To learn more about the Foundation please visit https://www.rxifoundation.org/.
Early-bird registration: Now through 4/9/26
Late registration: 4/10/26 - Race Day**
Online registration ends 5/6/26
**Registrations submitted after 4/9/26 are NOT GUARANTEED A SHIRT.
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.