RACE-A-THON to DRIVE AUTOimmune & AUTOinflammatory Arthritis Disease Awareness
October 11, 2026 2-5pm at 4 Hands Brewing Company (2nd floor) in Downtown St. Louis, MO
All ages welcome
Most photos on this page are from our 2025 'pilot' events.
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for our first big "Race-A-Thon" fund-racing and awareness event -- a family-friendly, AUTO-themed, high-energy extravaganza featuring indoor remote-controlled car racing, community education, and celebration. Tickets will be available in July 2026, starting at $15 for General Admission.
All attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the indoor remote control racing fun in between watching and betting on the Official 2026 Race-A-Thon races - where 24 local company/clinic/organization Official Race-A-Thon 2026 Race Teams will compete for the champion title. Bet on the races (raffle) to win prizes, visit the photo booth, and participate in AUTO-themed awareness activities. Learn more about being a race team in the Race-A-Thon below.
This event is in conjunction with World Arthritis Day (October 12th) and a continuation of World AUTOimmune & AUTOinflammatory
Arthritis Day (May 20th) that
AiArthritis established in 2012 to differentiate our full body diseases with more common arthritis, like Osteoarthritis. We believe awareness is vital towards expediting early detection and diagnosis, increasing individualized therapeutic intervention and access to them, improved quality of life, common remission, and a world that understands the depth of our diseases and the challenges associated with them.
Racing themed attire encouraged. All ages welcome! All proceeds from this event will benefit
AiArthritis. The event space includes seating for 150, with additional standing room only space. Thank you to 4Hands Brewing for donating the event space and to Hi-Pointe Drive In, space food service, for attendee ticket meal packages.
Learn More About Participating In or Supporting the Event
Attend the Event
In the St. Louis area? Join us for the event! Join the raffle to bet on the RC cars racing in the Official Race-A-Thon 2026, participate in the silent auction, visit sponsor "pit stops", DRIVE awareness in the photo booth and through AUTO-themed
AiArthritis disease awareness activities.
In addition Official Race-A-Thon 18 race event happening on the main indoor race track, a second smaller track will be available for attendees to drive cars and do their own friendly racing!
Tickets start at $15. Racing attire is strongly encouraged. All ages welcome.
Get Your Team Race Car
Get your company/organization/clinic RC race car with full color logo at the $250 sponsorship level.
Team car owners are encouraged to add additional advertising or fun decal stickers to their vehicle (not supplied as part of sponsorship). Show off your car at the event and keep it for the office after the event!
See Sponsorship Levels for additional information on benefits.
Be a Team IN the Race-A-Thon!
Want to really DRIVE awareness and have fun while doing it? Upgrade your RC race car to the $500 sponsorship level to compete as one of 24 company teams IN the 2026 Race-A-Thon!
Winners advance through heats for prizes and bragging rights. Company advertising and other benefits are included.
See Sponsorship Levels for additional information on benefits.
Note: There can only be 24 cars racing in the official Race-A-Thon, so sign up early! Cars purchased at $250 may be eligible to race if the 24 race slots are not filled.
$1000 - $3500 Sponsor
Help expand AiArthritis’ mission, connect more communities with patient-centric resources, and increase your brand visibility through promotional opportunities prior to and at the event.
Sponsorships at various levels include large event signage, social media/media promotions, and dedicated promotional space or shout outs at the event.
See Sponsorship Levels additional information on benefits.
Donate a Raffle or Swag Bag Item
Attendees who bet on the races during the Official Race-A-Thon will have opportunities to win prizes via a raffle. From gift cards to merchandise to experiences, you can promote your business while supporting an amazing cause!
We will also be giving out swag bags to some event sponsors and VIP attendees. If you have promotional materials that could be included in these bags (estimated 50 items), please let us know!
Contact us about donating a raffle or swag bag item.
Volunteer
Local to St. Louis? Available to donate time prior to or during the event to help make the Race-A-Thon a success?
We need volunteers prior to the event to assist with prepping RC race cars and managing inventory, building and testing the indoor race tracks, planning the raffles, auctions, and IT-related components of the event. We also need volunteers the day of the event to help with event space set up, the races, raffle sales, IT/live streaming to video screens and more.
Some volunteer opportunities may via available for those not local to St. Louis.
Contact us about volunteering for the event.
Supporting the Race-A-Thon isn’t just about brand visibility – it’s about making a real impact. By becoming a sponsor, you help accelerate research, expand education, and advocate for better health outcomes for millions worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still participate if I’m not local to the St. Louis area?
Yes! We offer many ways to participate, including virtual options. Become a sponsor, start a virtual “fund-racing” team, and more! To learn more about virtual opportunities, email AiArthritis Director of Development Jean Rightmire at jean@aiarthritis.org.
Do I need to be present at the in person event if I purchase a race car?
It depends. If you purchase a car at $250 to support the charity, no, although you’ll miss out on the "car show", where attendees can show off their company support and participate in PR photo opportunities.
If you purchase a car at the $500 level, which means your company would be IN the official Race-A-Thon, yes. We require a minimum of 2 people to attend (tickets included in price along with other perks, including significant promotions pre, during, and post event).
Can I start a peer fundraising team?
YES! This is a great option for groups looking to maximize their donation contribution. Are you part of a group that might be interested in crowdfunding or hosting a fundraising event? Contact AiArthritis Director of Development Jean Rightmire at jean@aiarthritis.org to let us know about your idea and to get started.
Are there any other ways that I can contribute to the Race-A-Thon?
Yes! We have a volunteer working group (in-person and virtual) that will be helping with a number of event support tasks. In addition, we will gladly accept in-kind donations that will help us reduce event or operational costs. You’re welcome to share any ideas with our team by contacting AiArthritis Director of Development Jean Rightmire at jean@aiarthritis.org.
Who gets to race in the official Race-A-Thon?
Sponsors at the $500 level and above are automatically eligible to participate in the official race. There are 24 slots in the race.
The $250 Car Sponsor level does not guarantee a race spot, but sponsors at this level can join a waitlist and may be selected if spots remain unfilled.
More Questions?
If you have additional questions about this event please don't hesitate to contact Jean Rightmire, our Development Director .