World Championship Pack Burro Race

  • Date Sun 27th July 2025
  • Time 10:15AM MDT
  • Location Fairplay, Colorado
  • Price $69.90
  • Races 2 races
  • Distances Ultra

Event summary

Join the excitement at the World Championship Pack Burro Race on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Fairplay, Colorado! This thrilling event, which began in 1949 with just 21 participants, has evolved into a vibrant competition featuring nearly 100 dedicated racers and their trusty burros. Participants can choose between two challenging race distances: the shorter course, approximately 15 miles, or the grueling long course, which spans over 29 miles and includes a breathtaking climb to Mosquito Pass at an elevation of 13,185 feet. The race kicks off at an impressive altitude of 9,953 feet, making it a true test of endurance and camaraderie between racers and their burro companions. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, the energy and spirit at this historic event are sure to create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this unique celebration of adventure and tradition!

Organiser's Description

The first year of the World Championship Pack Burro Race in 1949 saw 21 entrants with only 8 finishing the race. These days there are nearly 100 racers and burros that take on this historic challenge. Some choose the lower altitude short course of approximately 15 miles while others take on the long course and attempt the grueling climb to the top of Mosquito Pass and back, 29+ miles and an elevation change of 3,232'! The racers start at 9,953 feet in Fairplay with long course runners hitting their halfway point at the top of Mosquito Pass, elevation 13,185'!

***DISCLAIMER 3/21/25: JACK CHAINS ARE NO LONGER PROHIBITED. JACK CHAINS MAY BE USED ONLY IF USED WITH A PRESSURE-RELEASE TECHNIQUE. (A JACK CHAIN IS A CHAIN OR STRAP WHICH IS USED TO APPLY PRESSURE OVER THE MUZZLE, UNDER THE CHIN, OR THROUGH THE MOUTH).

***THE SHORT COURSE ROUTE IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW AND MIGHT CHANGE PRIOR TO MAY 9, 2025. REGISTERED RACERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF ANY CHANGES IN A TIMELY MANNER AND WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST A REFUND IF THE CHANGES ARE TO THE RACERS DISSATISFACTION AND THEY CHOOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE.

Races

  • Long Course, 29+ Miles

    Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sun 27th July 2025 (10:15AM MDT)

    $69.90

    Each runner must be accompanied by a Burro! It is the responsibility of the runner to acquire their own burro. They may use their own animal or borrow/rent someone else's. Each burro will be required to be equipped with a regulation pack saddle, packed with a pick, shovel, and gold pan. It is strongly recommended that all participants carry at least one - two quarts of water, food, and clothing for all types of weather. Loss of all or part of the pack and paraphernalia will eliminate the contestant. See more detailed equipment information on our website. ***Disclaimer 3/21/25: Jack chains are no longer prohibited. Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique. (A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle, under the chin, or through the mouth).
  • Short Course, Approximately 15 Miles

    Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sun 27th July 2025 (10:30AM MDT)

    $69.90

    Each runner must be accompanied by a Burro! It is the responsibility of the runner to acquire their own burro. They may use their own animal or borrow/rent someone else's. Each burro will be required to be equipped with a regulation pack saddle, packed with a pick, shovel, and gold pan. It is strongly recommended that all participants carry at least one - two quarts of water, food, and clothing for all types of weather. Loss of all or part of the pack and paraphernalia will eliminate the contestant. See more detailed equipment information on our website. ***Disclaimer 3/21/25: Jack chains are no longer prohibited. Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique. (A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle, under the chin, or through the mouth). ***The Short Course route is currently under review and might change prior to May 9, 2025. Registered racers will be notified of any changes in a timely manner and will have the opportunity to request a refund if the changes are to the racers dissatisfaction and they choose not to participate in the race.

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Location

531 Front Street, Fairplay, 80440, CO, United States

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