Pack burro racing
Pack burro racing is a sport in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico that is rooted in the various western states' mining histories. In the early days of the mining industry in Colorado, miners would take donkeys through the mountains of Colorado while prospecting. Because the burros were carrying supplies, the miners could not ride the animals and so they would walk, leading the donkey. Burro races are held throughout small towns in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico to commemorate the miners and their burros. In 2012, pack burro racing was recognized as the official "summer heritage sport" in Colorado.
History
Legend holds that the races trace back to an incident in which two miners, finding gold at the same location simultaneously, raced each other to the claims office. Because the burros were too small or loaded to carry their owners, the miners were forced to run, leading the burros.The earliest official race took place in 1949, organized by the towns of Leadville and Fairplay. In 2012, burro racing was designated as an official "summer heritage sport" by the Colorado government.
Format
In a typical burro race, a runner and a burro travel a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a rope. Riding the burro is not allowed, though the human may carry the burro. The burro must be on a lead rope, which is limited to. Runners must maintain control of their animals at all times. Burros were formerly required to carry a pack saddle with 33 pounds of traditional mining gear, which must include a pick, gold pan, and shovel. The weight requirement has since been lifted, however, the mining paraphernalia of a pick, gold pan, and shovel are still required to be carried on the pack saddle or in panniers. Runners may also include other gear in their pack saddles, such as windbreakers, water, food, etc. Cruelty to the burro is prohibited and racing officials may have burros examined by a veterinarian after the race.Competition
Like horse racing, burro racing has its own "Triple Crown," consisting of three races.Fairplay
The Fairplay race is and counts as an ultra-marathon. It takes place in late July as part of Fairplay's Burro Days town festival. The race begins on the main street and goes to the top of Mosquito Pass.Leadville
The Leadville race is 22 miles. It takes place the first full weekend of August, typically a week after the Fairplay race, as part of the Leadville's Boom Days city festival. The race goes to the top of Mosquito Pass, then comes back into town through the California Gulch Mining District, past the site of Oro City.Buena Vista
The Buena Vista race is 12 miles. It typically takes place a week after the Leadville race as part of Buena Vista's Gold Rush Days festival.Other races
In addition to the Colorado Triple Crown Races, other mining towns throughout Colorado are adding burro races to their event schedule, usually as part of an existing town festival. Towns include:- Georgetown, Colorado
- Cripple Creek, Colorado
- Idaho Springs, Colorado
- Creede, Colorado
- Victor, Colorado
- Frederick, Colorado
Nowadays, the excitement generated by Colorado's enthusiastic embrace of the sport is now beginning to fuel an interest in other western states. In 2019, Superior, AZ celebrated its own mining and burro history with the Arizona inaugural Superior Burro Run. Since returning burro racing to Arizona the sport has taken off within the state. The towns and ranches of the Arizona races include:
- Superior, Arizona
- Apache Junction, Arizona
- Sonoita, Arizona
- Black [Canyon City, Arizona]
- Tombstone, Arizona
- Sandam Ranch, Arizona
Notable competitors
- Curtis Imrie, three time world champion